Jorrel Hato has been eased into the Chelsea team so far during his debut season, but he must be desperate to play this week against his former club.
The Blues signed Jorrel Hato, 19, from Ajax in the summer transfer window. On Wednesday night, Chelsea host the Dutch giants at Stamford Bridge in the league phase of the Champions League.
Hato, who’s nominated for the Golden Ball award, is clearly a talented young defender whose versatility to play left-back or centre-half is a valuable asset.
The teenager has made just five appearances across all competitions so far this season, though. Understandably, Blues head coach Enzo Maresca is slowly integrating him, plus there’s a lot of top-level competition.
Jorrel Hato during a Chelsea open training session at Cobham.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Jorrel Hato’s Ajax experience has already helped him at Chelsea
According to Chelsea talent Hato, his development in Amsterdam has helped him suit Maresca’s style because he’s flexible in multiple areas of the pitch.
“I had a good time there [at Ajax]. I was a young guy from the academy who came to the club at 12 years old. I grew up to be a regular player in the starting eleven and I had some good seasons,” Hato said, as quoted by Chelsea’s official website.
“I think it helped me to make the step to Chelsea and fit in the team here wherever I’m needed, because with this coach we have a lot of different styles that we can play against different opponents, and ways to use the full-back. So I’m comfortable with it.”
If he’s afforded time, Hato could yet prove to be an excellent £37m signing (BBC).
The Dutch talent has the versatility to plug several holes for Chelsea, which we expect to see more of as the schedule intensifies this season. It is worth remembering that he’s got the experience of 111 first-team matches at Ajax under his belt, too.
Tosin Adarabioyo has been impressed by Hato in training since he joined Chelsea, so supporters just need to remain patient with him.
Jorrel Hato playing for Chelsea against Brentford in the Premier League.
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Marc Cucurella won’t be moved
At the moment, we’re not sure any full-back in the world could dislodge Marc Cucurella, 27, from Chelsea’s starting left-back spot.
The level that Cucurella has gone to in the past 18 months has been outstanding.
At the moment, Hato will have to be content as his understudy, collecting minutes when the manager rotates. Alternatively, we’ve seen the left-footer can offer an intriguing option in the heart of defence.
The 19-year-old still has so much time on his side and is a long-term investment for Chelsea.