Chelsea beat Ajax 5-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday night, but Paul Robinson has singled out one of their defenders for praise.
Marc Guiu, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Estevao Willian and Tyrique George were the goalscorers for Chelsea, while Wout Weghorst grabbed Ajax’s consolation.
Maresca made 10 changes, which did not impact Chelsea at all. However, the Blues were helped by Ajax going a man down early in the first half.
Chelsea fans wanted to see more of Jorrel Hato, and they got their wish, as the defender was one of the changes that Maresca made for the Champions League clash.
Jorrel Hato during Chelsea vs Ajax
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Paul Robinson thought Jorrel Hato was ‘outstanding’ against Ajax
It was the likes of Estevao and Jamie Gittens who stole the show at Stamford Bridge with some excellent attacking displays, but Robinson thinks Hato also deserves some praise.
The 19-year-old did not have to do much against his former club, but Robinson was still impressed with his performance.
Speaking on Football Daily’s Champions League Debrief, the former Premier League goalkeeper said: “Estevao, Gittens, [Romeo] Lavia, they’re getting more game time, Champions League game time. Hato came in at left-back. I thought he was outstanding. He played really well.”
Before the game, Maresca claimed that Hato has had some trouble adapting. It is likely to be one reason why the Dutchman has not started too often this season.
He did not disappoint his manager on Wednesday, though, and will now be hoping for more opportunities.
Chelsea players before Ajax game
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Jorrel Hato aerially dominant in Ajax win
Again, with Chelsea dominating a 10-man Ajax side, not too many questions were asked of Hato.
When he was called into action, though, the player did his job. For example, as per FBref, Hato won four of the five aerial duels he competed in.
All in all, the Netherlands international can be a good option for Chelsea in both the left-back and centre-back positions.
As the season goes on, Chelsea supporters are likely to see much more of the ex-Ajax star, especially if more defenders get injured. Maresca is already without Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile.