Jorrel Hato is officially a Chelsea player, and he gave his first interview in blue at Cobham on Monday.
Following the club’s official announcement of new left-back Jorrel Hato, the Dutchman got chatting to Chelsea media to let fans get to know their new defender.
Chelsea Unveil New Signing Jorrel Hato
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Hato discussed his strengths as a footballer and how he feels about the new opportunity in England.
But perhaps most interesting was his pick for the player he models his game after.
Appearing on the official Chelsea YouTube channel, Hato was asked about the player he admires most.
At the end of the interview, he’s asked: “And did you have any footballing idols growing up? Like is there anyone you look up to, base your game on?”
Hato kept it plain and simple, answering: “Thiago Silva.”
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A good choice to appease the fans, but assuming that isn’t his motive, it’s a promising glimpse into how he wants to play the game. A Chelsea legend after winning the Champions League, Silva has kept Chelsea in his heart.
As primarily a left-back, with the ability to play in the centre as well, Hato picking such a defensively solid player to shape his game after is a promising indicator of how seriously the 19-year-old takes his off-ball duties.
Enzo Maresca has flexibility with how he uses Jorrel Hato
Hato was on the radar of many big clubs this summer due to his age of course, but even more so, his versatility. His choice of Silva points to the importance he places on his defensive duties, showing an ability to play the centre-back role and play it well in his time at Ajax.
But he is equally proficient in the wide defensive areas, with good pace and a sense of when to push up the pitch.
His eight goal involvements in the Eredivisie last season demonstrate this point, with Hato capable of overlapping and whipping balls in, while also being comfortable inverting and helping in the possession game.
As for when we could see him in action, Hato trained with the team for the first time on Monday, which leaves plenty of room to prepare and adjust to life at Stamford Bridge before the weekend’s friendlies.
It’s very likely Enzo Maresca gives his new signing at least some minutes in those games, to avoid giving him his first experience in a Chelsea shirt after the season kicks off.