Jorrel Hato was arguably the star of the show in Chelsea’s 5-1 victory over Charlton Athletic on Saturday.
That is not something you always say about a defender, but the 19-year-old scored a terrific goal in Chelsea’s third-round FA Cup win.
Liam Rosenior thinks Hato has already gone up a level, with the new Chelsea manager also pleased with the Dutchman’s defending.
Jorrel Hato scores his first Chelsea goal!
Jorrel Hato scores for Chelsea
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
What have you made of Hato’s position under Rosenior? Looks to be featuring heavily in the midfield…
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Following the Blues’ win against Nathan Jones’ side, Hato has also had some positive things to say about Rosenior.
Jorrel Hato scores for Chelsea
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
While they were up against Championship opposition, Chelsea’s football at The Valley was exquisite at times.
According to Hato, the way Rosenior wants his team to play suits the Club World Cup winners.
Speaking to TNT Sports (10/01/2026 at 22:00) after the game, the left-back said: “He has his own way to play football, and I think it’s a good way. It suits us. We’ve had a lot of meetings about him, to explain how he wants to play. We showed today what he wants from us.”
What are your first impressions of Liam Rosenior’s tactics following Chelsea’s FA Cup win against Charlton?
What differences did you notice between his style and Enzo Maresca's? 👀
Chelsea defender Jorrel Hato discussing Liam Rosenior's style of play
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Hato also featured in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City last weekend, the Blues’ first game since Maresca’s exit.
Hato’s defending at the Etihad was superb, with the Netherlands international making a crucial block on Bernardo Silva in the second half.
When you look at that performance and his display against Charlton, perhaps Maresca underused him.
Liam Rosenior, Manager of Chelsea, and Jorrel Hato of Chelsea react
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
What Chelsea did differently under Liam Rosenior compared to Enzo Maresca
It has only been one game and Charlton are not the strongest side Rosenior’s Chelsea will face this season, but some of the football that they played was a good watch.
Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo were passing to Moises Caicedo and Andrey Santos in midfield. The latter did excellently as he dropped back to pick up the ball. There were also several occasions when Santos received the ball between the lines.
Under Maresca, there were too many sideways passes between the defenders. Hopefully that is not a theme during Rosenior’s tenure.
Again, Chelsea’s critics will say it is only Charlton, but there is reason for supporters to be positive after that win. Arsenal, though, will provide a much more difficult test in the Carabao Cup next Wednesday.
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