Known as Tino, a tribute to the former Parma striker, Anjorin has emerged as a complete midfielder at Empoli, overcoming numerous setbacks.
For Tino Anjorin, the number 8 shirt at Empoli was no coincidence; it symbolized his ideal role. He describes himself as a “box-to-box central midfielder who can attack, create, be inventive, but also track back, defend, and do all the dirty work,” as he told the BBC. This 23-year-old English talent, with his physicality, pace, vision, and powerful, accurate right foot, is an exciting prospect for Marco Baroni`s Torino. He`s capable of many things, and when given the chance, he has performed them all well.
Talent and Misfortune
Faustino Adebola Rasheed Anjorin, named after Asprilla (his younger brother is named Zico), joined Torino from Empoli, where he had a positive season despite the team`s relegation. He arrived in Tuscany last summer from Chelsea, his formative club. Born in Poole to a Nigerian father and English mother, Anjorin was driven hundreds of times by his father, Sheriff, to Chelsea`s academy training sessions from the age of seven. He quickly caught the eye of England`s youth national teams, starting as a defender before developing into a central midfielder.
At 18, he got a taste of first-team action, making his Premier League debut on March 8, 2020, against Everton. However, just as he was poised for a breakthrough, the pandemic hit, followed by a string of misfortunes: he lost 10 kg during lockdown due to an incorrect diet and training program and suffered a severe quadriceps muscle issue. Upon returning, he debuted in the Champions League, but in the summer of 2021, while on loan at Lokomotiv Moscow, he fractured a metatarsal. Back in England, he found opportunities at Huddersfield and then Portsmouth, where his Premier League-level pace and touch were evident despite playing in lower divisions. Further injuries – to his ankle and a knee tendon – consistently forced him to restart, working hard on his physique and confidence.
Anjorin`s Resurgence
Last summer, Empoli placed their trust in him. In Tuscany, Anjorin experienced the most consistent season of his career, playing 1118 minutes across 22 matches, contributing two goals and three assists. Roberto D`Aversa primarily deployed him as a mezzala (attacking midfielder), granting him significant freedom. His two beautiful goals came late in the season: a 2-2 equalizer against Venezia, curling a right-footed shot into the far post after cutting in from the left, and a powerful, top-corner strike from outside the box for a 2-1 win against Parma. From the outset, the English player impressed with his physical presence, rhythm, diverse skill set, and game intelligence. Now, he aims to establish himself in Serie A at the level he deserves: that of a truly great player.
