Jorrel Hato believes Chelsea can achieve something special under Xabi Alonso this season after an encouraging start to life under the new manager.
Hato’s Chelsea role could also grow significantly because of his ability to operate across several defensive positions.
Hato endured a difficult start to his first season after joining from Ajax in 2025, but became increasingly important during the second half of the campaign. The Netherlands international has continued that progress during pre-season, featuring at left-back and on the left side of central defence.
Chelsea have now moved from Australia to Hong Kong ahead of Wednesday’s friendly against Juventus. ReadChelsea reported on Monday that six more players have joined Alonso’s squad in Hong Kong, giving the manager an increasingly complete group to work with.
Jorrel Hato Chelsea role could suit Alonso perfectly
The 20-year-old can play at centre-back, left-back or wing-back. He is also comfortable moving into midfield during possession, something which could suit Alonso’s flexible tactical approach.
Hato said Chelsea have a “great opportunity to push for trophies” and believes the squad could “do something special” this season. He also stressed that he is happy to play wherever Alonso needs him.
That flexibility has already been visible during pre-season. Hato has moved between different defensive roles as Alonso experiments with both three and four-player defensive structures.
Chelsea still have several weeks before their Premier League campaign begins, so Hato’s exact place in the hierarchy remains unclear. However, his technical quality and ability to adapt could make him particularly useful for a manager who regularly changes his team’s shape with and without the ball.
After requiring time to settle last season, Hato now appears better placed to establish himself as a regular part of Chelsea’s plans.
