Nigeria-born Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo says he was confident he could deliver in the Premier League when he wanted to join Fulham at the start of the on-going season.
While the step up from Championship to Premier League is not always easy, Adarabioyo has made an almost seamless transition, which is rooted in his own self-belief.
The former Man City academy player joined the Cottagers on a permanent deal last October and has gone on to post some eye-cathching performances as Scott Parker’s side defeated Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday to boost their survival hopes.
“I had full belief [to be able to perform in the Premier League]. I know the qualities that I have and I know I’m able to perform in this league and I’m showing that now. I leant from some great players at Man City. They gave me a lot of tips that helped me push on to this day,’ said the Nigerian in an interview on Skysports.
Adarabioyo, 23, has also registered some of the best defensive stats among the Fulham team. Prior to the Liverpool game on Sunday, the former England U-19 defender has made the highest number of overall clearances (124) and headed clearances (66) and is only second behind centre-back partner Joachim Andersen for aerial duels won (75).
Adarabioyo joined Man City’s academy at the age of five, progressing through the youth ranks and making a handful of first-team appearances before the inevitable loans followed.
But rather than follow that well-trodden loan path, the defender made the bold choice to leave his boyhood club and join Fulham on a permanent deal and was attracted by the chance to work with Scott Parker.