Xabi Alonso will have been watching on from afar on Tuesday night as Chelsea beat Tottenham, and there is no doubt he will have been impressed by Blues youngster Jorrel Hato.
Bought for £37m from Ajax last summer, Hato was incredibly raw and would only be given minutes here and there. There were doubts over the Netherlands star when hooked at half-time against West Ham.
But recently, Hato has dramatically improved. The seven-time Dutch star has played 90 minutes in seven of Chelsea’s last nine games, even being moved into centre-back and impressing in the FA Cup final.
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On Tuesday night, with Levi Colwill missing, Calum McFarlane picked Hato to start at centre-back with Wesley Fofana over the likes of Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo and Mamadou Sarr.
Hato has dramatically improved his form, especially since the exit of Liam Rosenior, and if Alonso was watching the former Ajax star last night, he will have been impressed, especially by his last-ditch block.
Jorrel Hato is excited to work under Xabi Alonso at Chelsea
Since Alonso was confirmed, there has been noise that the Chelsea squad are delighted with the choice. Before Tuesday night’s win, Cole Palmer said that the Chelsea squad cannot wait to work with Alonso.
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After the win, and another exceptional performance, Hato told Stadium Astro that he is excited at the prospect of working with Alonso. Hato described Alonso as a “great manager” ahead of his move.
“A great manager, he was a great player as well. I think it’s good news for us that we start next season with him as manager. Of course, the focus is on the next game but we are excited for next season.”
Which players will have impressed Xabi Alonso so far?
Tuesday night was Chelsea’s first game since Alonso had been announced, and there is no doubt that Alonso will have been watching. Cole Palmer looked rejuvenated on Tuesday night against Tottenham.
Enzo Fernandez proved Alonso was right to demand he stays put during talks with BlueCo, scoring a stunner in the first half and creating Andrey Santos’ winner. Santos himself was perfect against Spurs.
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Jorrel Hato prove me wrong graphic
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But if there is a player who has caught the eye somewhat under the radar, it is Hato. Easily Chelsea’s most-improved player this season, given his tricky start, Alonso will know he has a real talent in Hato.
Reports say Alonso wants experienced signings in goal, in midfield and up front. A six-man list has been compiled to sign a goalkeeper, including Jordan Pickford, Marco Carnesecchi and Bart Verbruggen.
Alonso will already know which players he wants to play a key role in his Chelsea era, and if he is judging by the club’s performances in recent weeks, Hato will be a part of that. Another top display last night.
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