Xabi Alonso has praised Jorrel Hato after the Dutch defender enjoyed a memorable debut for Chelsea in their 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton on Saturday. The 20-year-old came on as a late substitute at Hill Dickinson Stadium after Pep Chavarria was forced off with a training injury.
Hato provided the assist for the opening goal as Blues moved into a first-half lead, before netting the second following a corner routine on the hour mark. He played his first 45 minutes since being replaced at half-time against Hull City on September 12.
Alonso paid tribute to the youngster’s display, which came with further competition for places at Stamford Bridge. Speaking after the win over the Toffees, Alonso remarked:
“He did really well today as well… This is all about the squad, so that all the players feel important, that they will have their moment whenever they are needed, and that’s very positive as well.”
The boss has called for his squad to provide cover this season as Chelsea endure an intense campaign. Hato has featured in each of the Blues’ opening four league fixtures, but did not start the game against Brentford before sitting out the contest with the Cherries. He was also part of a team that kept its first Premier League clean sheet of the season on Merseyside.
Xabi Alonso Explains Pep Chavarria And Malo Gusto Absences
The Spaniard also revealed why Chavarria and Malo Gusto both missed out on the matchday squad on Merseyside. The latter felt poorly on Friday, while Chavarria felt something in the final moments of Thursday’s training.
The 28-year-old spent this summer moving to Chelsea from Rayo Vallecano and had already featured in all six of the Blues’ previous league fixtures. The full-back was due to undergo further tests on Sunday to determine the nature of his problem.
Meanwhile, Gusto misses out on a trip to Liverpool after falling ill on the day of the fixture. The Frenchman is likely to play against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge next weekend.