Joao Pedro has arguably been Chelsea’s best player since Liam Rosenior took over the club.
In 18 appearances, Pedro has scored 12 goals. Without him, Chelsea would probably be out of the race for Champions League qualification.
However, being the Blues’ best player under Rosenior does not necessarily mean that the Brazilian has been the player who has shown the most improvement.
Jorrel Hato is Chelsea’s most improved player since Liam Rosenior’s arrival
Pedro produced a lot of good moments under Rosenior’s predecessor Enzo Maresca and started the season quite strongly. Jorrel Hato, in contrast, really struggled during Maresca’s tenure but now looks like a completely different footballer under Rosenior’s tutelage.
Hato, Joao Pedro or someone else? 🤔
Jorrel Hato prove me wrong graphic
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
The 20-year-old has played at both left-back and centre-back, thriving in the first role in particular.
Going forward, Hato has been bright and has even managed to score a couple of goals. He has shown great close control, while his dribbling at times has been quite impressive for a left-back.
Defensively, his tackling has not been bad either. Chelsea bought the Netherlands international for £37m, and that fee is now starting to look like a bargain.
They have signed a versatile defender with a lot of technical skill. And at just 20 years of age, he is only going to get better.
Jorrel Hato of Chelsea
Photo by Izzy Poles – AMA/Getty Images
It is also important to remember that this is only his first season in the Premier League. Once he fully adapts to the English game, you could be looking at one of the most well-rounded full-backs in the country.
Right now, Marc Cucurella is blocking Hato’s path into the first XI. However, the Spaniard may not be standing in his way for much longer.
Cucurella could return to Barcelona, with the 27-year-old not ruling out a move to the Camp Nou. He has just two years left on his contract, meaning Chelsea could have a decision to make about his future very soon.
Chelsea fans would be sad to see Cucurella go, but his departure would be good news for Hato.
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