Chelsea have a tough choice to make at left-back now that Marc Cucurella is hurt. Manager Liam Rosenior will have to choose between Jorrel Hato and Malo Gusto for the next few weeks. Reports say that the Spanish defender hurt his hamstring during Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Leeds United and will be out for about three to four weeks.
Cucurella will definitely miss Chelsea’s next Premier League game against Burnley on February 21, as well as important games against Arsenal and Aston Villa in early March. This gives either Hato or Gusto a chance to make their case for a longer stay in the starting lineup.
Jorrel Hato, who came to Stamford Bridge last summer in a deal worth £35.5 million from Ajax, is the best player to replace Cucurella. The 19-year-old Dutch international was brought in specifically to play left-back, and he has already shown what he can do in recent games.
Hato came on for Cucurella in the second half against Leeds and then started Chelsea’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Hull City on Friday. His performances have steadily improved since a tough Champions League game against Qarabag earlier this season, when he was involved in both goals Chelsea conceded in the 2-2 draw.
Malo Gusto is another option for Rosenior, even though he is a natural right-back. He has also played on the left side of Chelsea’s defense before. In January 2023, Gusto moved from Lyon to Chelsea for a reported €30 million. He has since become a valuable member of the team because he can play in many different positions. He is a safer, more experienced choice than Hato, who is still learning how to play in different positions.
Rosenior has a big decision to make because Chelsea have a lot of games coming up and it’s important to keep the defense stable. Some still think now is not the right time to give Hato such a big job, as he is still getting used to the fast pace of English football at just 19 years old.
Hato’s Journey From Ajax Wonderkid To Chelsea Challenge
Jorrel Hato’s journey to Chelsea has been full of promise and growing pains as the teenage defender learns how to play in the Premier League. The defender, who was born in Rotterdam, had a meteoric rise at Ajax, making 111 appearances for the Dutch giants before turning 19. He became known as one of Europe’s most exciting young defensive prospects.
Hato made his Eredivisie debut for Ajax at the age of 16 years and 335 days, making him the third-youngest player to do so. His early talent earned him the captaincy of Ajax’s youth teams before he joined the senior team. Because he could play in many positions on the back line and had great technical skills and calmness on the ball, top European clubs wanted him.
Chelsea acted quickly to get Hato’s signature during the summer transfer window. When he arrived, he signed a long-term contract that would last until 2032. The club invested in him because they believe he has the potential to become a world-class defender who could anchor their defense for years to come.