Chelsea were terrific going forward in their win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday, though they were gifted some of their goals.
Enzo Maresca’s men managed to score four times, with Jamie Gittens’ sublime strike being the pick of the bunch.
Defensively, though, questions have to be asked after they almost blew a 3-0 lead.
Of course, Chelsea were not helped by Liam Delap’s silly red card, but their back four right now is still a cause for concern.
Jackson Tchatchoua of Wolverhampton Wanderers battles for possession with Jorrel Hato of Chelsea
Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images
Jorrel Hato wasn’t dribbled past at Molineux
While Chelsea have been quite leaky in defence lately, Josh Acheampong and Jorrel Hato are two individuals who are still managing to impress in the backline.
Despite the Blues conceding three goals at Molineux, the two teenagers still performed quite well.
In fact, Hato was not even dribbled past despite playing at left-back. The 19-year-old also set up Gittens’ incredible goal with a powerful header inside Wolves’ half.
With Marc Cucurella in the squad, Hato is not going to get too many opportunities to start at left-back this season.
However, there is no reason why he cannot play at left centre-back in Levi Colwill’s absence. Apart from the 2-2 draw with Brentford last month, the Dutchman’s defending has been excellent.
He is winning headers, getting tight to forwards and looks extremely comfortable bringing the ball out of defence, which you would expect from a son of Ajax.
Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah have not been convincing at all this term. It is another reason why Hato deserves more starts in the coming weeks.
According to Maresca, there were some teething issues with Hato at first following his arrival from Ajax, but he now looks quite settled.
Tolu Arokodare of Wolverhampton Wanderers shoots whilst under pressure from Jorrel Hato of Chelsea
Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images
Jorrel Hato will prove to be a bargain
Chelsea paid Ajax £37m for Hato in the summer. He is a 19-year-old Netherlands international who can play at both left-back and centre-back.
If Hato fulfils his potential at Stamford Bridge, he will undoubtedly prove to be a bargain. Despite not playing too often, it already feels like Chelsea are getting a lot from Hato because of his versatility.
In a few years’ time, £37m could look like nothing. He is a Chelsea player to definitely keep an eye on as the season progresses.