Liam Rosenior believes the sky is the limit for Jorrel Hato, with the Chelsea head coach recently expressing his pleasure at the defender’s maturity and scary potential.
Jorrel Hato’s debut season at Chelsea has been a patient one. Arriving from Ajax in the summer for £37.5 million, the 20-year-old was initially eased into English football by Enzo Maresca, primarily serving as a backup to Marc Cucurella.
However, the appointment of Liam Rosenior saw Hato break out slightly. He marked the new manager’s first game with a stunning volley in a 5-1 FA Cup win over Charlton. Since then, Hato has started four of Chelsea’s last six matches, earning Rosenior’s trust.
Despite the collective trauma of the 8-2 aggregate defeat to PSG, Hato’s stock has soared, and an injury to Trevoh Chalobah may just provide him with more of an opportunity.
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Chelsea's centre-back decision for Everton
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Liam Rosenior predicts a bright future for Jorrel Hato
Ahead of Chelsea’s trip to face Everton, Liam Rosenior was speaking to the club website, where he brought up his sheer belief in Jorrel Hato.
“I’ve been so impressed with his temperament, his physicality, technically. He is a joy to work with every day, and at his age, it’s scary how good he could be.”
One of the most attractive things about Hato is his versatility, with the ability to play at centre-back, left-back or even in the middle of midfield if required.
Alan Shearer even gave his approval of Hato during Chelsea’s win over Hull City.
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What is Jorrel Hato’s best position moving forward?
Liam Rosenior’s recent tactical shifts suggest his long-term future lies as a left-sided centre-back.
While Hato spent much of his early Chelsea career covering for Marc Cucurella at left-back, his composure and ball-carrying are more effectively utilised in a central role where he can orchestrate play from deep.
Rosenior has frequently encouraged Hato to invert into midfield, but the defender’s 91% aerial duel success rate and maturity indicate he has the raw tools to anchor the defense permanently.
Moving forward, a partnership with a recovery-focused partner like Wesley Fofana would allow Hato to operate as the more build-up-minded centre-back.
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