Chelsea's Next Superstar? Why Jorrel Hato Could Be Europe's Most Explosive Young Talent
Ever since his first-team breakthrough at Ajax in January 2023, Jorrel Hato has quickly emerged as one of Europe's most promising defensive talents. An impressive array of top clubs have been tracking the youngster for several years.
Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly among the interested parties, but Chelsea appear to be leading the race for the teenager's services. The Blues are beginning to see positive results from their ambitious transfer approach, and Hato looks set to become the latest young prospect to test himself at Stamford Bridge.
Here's Sports Illustrated's analysis of Hato and an in-depth examination of what Chelsea supporters can anticipate if he completes the transfer.
Jorrel Hato's Strengths
One glance at Hato reveals he has been developed according to the philosophy of totaalvoetbal. Total Football, in English, represents the idea that every player can fulfill any position on the field, and Hato exemplifies this perfectly.
Primarily a defender, he demonstrates strength and intensity in challenges while possessing remarkable recovery speed. However, what truly distinguishes Hato is his skill with the ball at his feet. His low center of gravity combined with agile footwork makes him an exceptional ball-carrying defender, frequently taking responsibility to advance possession and initiate attacks from deep areas.
When dribbling isn't viable, Hato showcases arguably his greatest strength: his distribution. As a rare left-footed center-back, the Dutch international can reliably penetrate defensive lines or deliver long passes, adapting his approach based on match situations.
"When you train at the Ajax academy, you develop that courage the instructors emphasize," Hato explained to The Athletic. "Dribbling past opponents and creating opportunities is one of my strengths. Space is necessary to execute it, but when available, I'll always seek forward progression."
Beyond technical abilities, Hato's leadership qualities and composure stand out remarkably. This shows on the field but is equally apparent off it, as Hato earned vice-captain status at Ajax during the 2023–24 campaign. He even made history as the club's youngest-ever captain in December 2023, wearing the armband at just 17 years and 282 days old.
Jorrel Hato's Weaknesses
Physical stature has remained a persistent concern for Hato, with coaches and experts consistently telling him he'll develop his frame over time. Despite possessing good aerial ability, Hato measures only 5'11, which can create difficulties in central defensive roles against certain opponents.
"The club continued viewing him as a center-back, but I think at elite levels, such as the Premier League or Real Madrid, a player of 1.81 meters (5'11) like him faces challenges playing centrally, particularly in demanding physical battles," explained former coach Francesco Farioli, who left Ajax this summer, speaking to Cronache di spogliatoio in June.
Hato has previously recognized this limitation. In 2023, he acknowledged to Ajax media his need for aerial improvement, while an August 2024 Helden interview saw him admit he "needs additional muscle" to succeed at elite level.
While Hato possesses strength, the 19-year-old sometimes struggles with consistency when using his physicality against taller adversaries, explaining his frequent deployment as a left-back in senior competition.
Who Does Jorrel Hato Play Like?
Dutch football has traditionally developed players similar to Hato. Parallels with Manchester City's Nathan Aké, previously at Chelsea, are frequently drawn, while connections can also be made with another Pep Guardiola player, Joško Gvardiol.
One comparison Hato actively embraces involves Arsenal's Jurriën Timber, whom he considers a "mentor".
"Instructors suggested I should model myself after Virgil van Dijk, but during my Under-18 days, I always admired Jurriën Timber," Hato revealed.
"I trained alongside him for six months before his departure, learning tremendously from the experience. Upon joining the first team, he became my guide. I admire his playing approach, his composure with possession. He's simply an outstanding defender in all aspects."
Regarding exceptional defenders, Hato's Chelsea interest may have developed through former Blue Thiago Silva. The Brazilian legend, also not physically imposing for a center-back, served as inspiration for Hato, who frequently studied Silva's performances as he matured.
How Will Jorrel Hato Fit in at Chelsea?
Chelsea probably haven't signed Hato as an immediate center-back starter. Regarding left-sided defenders, the Blues already possess one of the finest young talents in Levi Colwill. Instead, Hato is anticipated to primarily operate at left-back.
Though Hato expressed his center-back preference as recently as 2024, he informed AD in April 2025 that he now considers himself a "versatile player" equally effective at left-back. This perspective shift could prove vital for Chelsea, who urgently need Marc Cucurella backup.
Enzo Maresca's tactical approach demands full-back inversion, which seems perfectly suited to Hato's abilities. Whether tucking inside as a left-sided center-back or advancing into central midfield, expect Hato to integrate seamlessly into the squad.
Should Hato replace Cucurella, tactical adjustments would be necessary, as they offer different qualities. Maresca frequently positions Cucurella in attacking midfield areas, where Hato lacks similar comfort. Hato would likely maintain deeper positions, either in midfield or defense, while Chelsea's right-back—Reece James or Malo Gusto—receives greater attacking freedom.
Most significantly, Hato's addition provides Maresca with enhanced tactical flexibility. Cucurella has performed admirably since the Italian's summer arrival, but having options to modify approaches based on opposition can only benefit the team.