An indepth read on the Jorrel Hato style of play and how he fits in at Chelsea.
As Chelsea continue their summer rebuild under new manager Enzo Maresca, the club has turned its attention to defensive reinforcements with Ajax teenager Jorrel Hato emerging as a top priority.
The left-footed defender is viewed as a crucial addition to provide depth at left back, compete with Marc Cucurella, and fit seamlessly into an in-possession back-three system that Maresca is expected to deploy.
Chelsea have reportedly reached personal terms with Hato, who has communicated to Ajax his intention to move on. Talks are now at an advanced stage, with a fee in the region of €40 million being discussed.
🚨💣 Chelsea have reached agreement on personal terms with Jorrel Hato and the defender has asked Ajax to leave!
Negotiations advancing to final stages, as fee discussed now is around €40m.
Hato informed Ajax management and the manager of his clear desire to join #CFC. pic.twitter.com/pmecGVVEZU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 23, 2025
Hato would join a growing list of exciting young signings brought in to shape Chelsea’s long-term project. The Blues have already secured Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, both of whom were instrumental in this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup triumph.
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens has also been added from Borussia Dortmund, bringing attacking flair and versatility. Meanwhile, Brazilian wonderkid Estevão Willian signed earlier from Palmeiras, is expected to link up with the squad soon.
There could be more Dutch influence arriving at Stamford Bridge as well. Jorrel Hato may yet be joined by compatriot Xavi Simons, with Chelsea reportedly stepping up their pursuit of the versatile attacking midfielder. We’ve covered an in-depth Xavi Simons analysis here.
With these reinforcements underway, Chelsea’s recruitment is clearly focused on high-potential talents capable of contributing immediately and evolving into world-class performers.
In that context, Hato represents a critical investment in one who offers maturity beyond his years and tactical versatility. Ahead of what could be a major move, we explore the Jorrel Hato style of play and what he could bring to Chelsea’s defensive setup.
Who is Jorrel Hato?
Before diving into the Jorrel Hato style of play, it’s important to understand who the player is. Born on March 7, 2006, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Hato has quickly developed a reputation as one of the brightest defensive prospects in European football.
He represents Ajax at both domestic and continental level, while also earning caps for the Netherlands national team. Remarkably, at just 19 years old, he has already captained Ajax in European competition, a testament to his maturity, leadership, and football intelligence.
Hato’s football journey began in the local pitches of Rotterdam, where he stood out for his natural defensive awareness and tactical discipline.
From Sparta Rotterdam’s youth system to Ajax’s famed academy, his development has been accelerated by strong coaching and an elite environment. The defender is of Curaçaoan, Cape Verdean, and Dutch descent, and his multicultural background reflects a resilient character who has thrived under pressure from a young age.
In terms of positional profile, Hato is a modern, left-footed defender capable of operating both as a centre-back and left-back.
His playing time is almost evenly split between the two roles, having made over 150 combined appearances in both positions at various levels for club and country. With standout technical quality and tactical adaptability, Hato is not just a defensive asset but also contributes significantly to build-up play and progression from deep.
Recognised with individual accolades such as the Abdelhak Nouri Trophy and Eredivisie Talent of the Year, Hato’s rise is far from accidental. His blend of intelligence, work rate, and composure on the ball places him firmly among the most exciting young defenders in world football.
Jorrel Hato Style of Play: The Strengths
The Jorrel Hato style of play is defined by technical precision, tactical intelligence, and positional versatility, traits that have become hallmarks of Ajax’s academy graduates.
He is predominantly left-footed and operates with equal confidence as a left-sided centre-back or as a traditional left-back. This flexibility has made him a tactical asset for both Ajax and the Dutch national setup, allowing managers to shift between back-four and back-three structures seamlessly.
One of Hato’s standout qualities is his ball-playing ability from deep. He boasts a pass completion rate of over 90%, with more than 70% accuracy in long-range distribution, a statistic that places him among the elite passers in the Eredivisie for defenders.
His progressive passing map highlights his comfort in threading passes into midfield and attacking zones, often breaking opposition lines and initiating forward momentum. This makes him especially valuable in possession-oriented systems like the one Enzo Maresca is building at Chelsea.
Beyond his passing, Hato is a composed carrier of the ball. He frequently initiates attacking phases by stepping out of defence, drawing pressure, and progressing into the final third. His incisive runs are reflected in his Eredivisie-leading 5.4 progressive pass combinations per 90 minutes, allowing his teammates to exploit space created by his movements.
Defensively, Hato is aggressive yet disciplined. He excels in one-on-one situations, reads the game well, and often steps into midfield to disrupt play early. His duel win rate of 54% and his anticipation in the left channel underline his proactive approach to defending.
Physically, he is quick over short distances, clocking top speeds of 33.6 km/h and ranks among the top five defenders in the Netherlands for acceleration and sprint count. His athletic profile complements his tactical awareness, making him an ideal fit for high-pressing, front-foot defensive systems.
At just 19, Hato’s leadership is also worth noting. He has captained Ajax in European competition, a rare honour that speaks volumes about his mentality, maturity, and influence in the dressing room.
Jorrel Hato Style of Play: The Weaknesses
Despite the evident strengths in Jorrel Hato’s style of play, there are a few areas in need of refinement, unsurprising for a defender still in the early stages of his career.
The most notable concern is his aerial ability. Standing at 6 feet tall, Hato is not particularly dominant in the air, winning just 46.8% of his aerial duels in league play. This could pose challenges in the Premier League, where physicality and aerial contests remain a central part of defensive responsibility. In particular, defending set-pieces and dealing with direct balls into the box will be areas he must adapt to at Chelsea.
Another technical shortcoming lies in his reliance on his stronger left foot. Hato tends to avoid using his right foot for passing, dribbling, and even tackling. This can become predictable in build-up play.
When opposition teams close off the left channel, Hato often opts to recycle possession backward instead of finding forward options with his weaker foot. It limits his range under pressure and restricts his angles, especially when he receives the ball in wider areas.
Additionally, while his aggressive style in stepping forward to intercept can be a strength, it sometimes leads to positional exposure.
He occasionally follows his marker too high up the pitch, leaving gaps behind that quicker Premier League sides could exploit in transition. As he adjusts to a more demanding tactical landscape in England, refining his decision-making in these moments will be essential.
Physically, Hato is still maturing. Though he possesses pace and strength, he can be overpowered by more seasoned forwards in direct physical duels. However, with age and professional experience, this aspect is expected to develop naturally.
Despite these areas for growth, Hato’s deficiencies are coachable and do not overshadow his core strengths. His ceiling remains exceptionally high, and with the right guidance at Chelsea, he has all the tools to evolve into a complete, top-level defender.
Jorrel Hato Style of Play: How He Fits at Chelsea
Jorrel Hato’s potential arrival at Stamford Bridge would be more than just a signing for the future; it would provide immediate value to a squad that showed signs of physical fatigue in key positions last season.
Chief among them was Marc Cucurella, who logged over 5,000 minutes for club and country with little rotation available on the left.
Chelsea had sanctioned a loan move for Renato Veiga, brought in as cover, but the Portuguese defender is now expected to depart permanently. Hato’s impending move could therefore be crucial in giving Chelsea the depth and flexibility they lacked.
From a tactical standpoint, the Jorrel Hato style of play aligns well with how Enzo Maresca is expected to structure his team in and out of possession. Hato has substantial experience playing as a left centre-back, a role that suits the 3-2-5 shape Maresca favours when building from the back.
In this system, Hato could comfortably slot in alongside Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill, forming a back three capable of both defending deep and progressing play under pressure. With Malo Gusto or Reece James occupying advanced positions on the right, Chelsea would have a well-balanced shape, with Hato bringing left-footed balance and composure.
Hato’s distribution is a major asset. His progressive passing and comfort in tight spaces make him well-suited for matches where Chelsea dominate the ball and must break down compact defences.
His presence would allow for smoother circulation and increased verticality in Chelsea’s build-up. While he may not replicate Cucurella’s advanced attacking output, particularly in the final third where the Spaniard was influential last season, Hato is capable of supporting overlapping runs and contributing to width when required.
A more nuanced challenge will be how Hato adapts to the inverting full-back role that Maresca occasionally demands in possession. While the Jorrel Hato style of play reflects strong qualities in wide areas and in defensive coverage, he is not yet accustomed to stepping into central midfield alongside the pivot.
This element of tactical adaptation may require time and coaching, especially in games where Chelsea seek to dominate possession centrally and control tempo through overloads in midfield.
Overall, Hato’s fit at Chelsea is clear. His profile offers rotation, structural balance, and long-term upside. With his ability to function in multiple defensive roles and contribute meaningfully to progression, he is well placed to complement Maresca’s evolving tactical framework.
If Chelsea complete this move, they will not only gain depth but also secure a player capable of growing into a starting role over time.
Jorrel Hato: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jorrel Hato a good defender?
Yes, Jorrel Hato is widely regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in European football. The Jorrel Hato Style of Play is characterized by composure on the ball, ability to read the game, and progressive passing. Despite his age, he has captained Ajax in European competition and performs with the maturity of a much more experienced player. His style of play suits modern tactical demands, making him a highly effective and intelligent defender.
Can Jorrel Hato play left back?
Absolutely. While he is naturally a centre-back, Hato has extensive experience playing as a left back. In fact, over half of his senior appearances for Ajax have come in that role. He is comfortable defending in wide areas, supporting build-up play, and occasionally overlapping into the attacking third. His versatility makes him a valuable option for any team looking to shift between formations.
Is Jorrel Hato a CB or LB?
Jorrel Hato is both. He has played as a centre-back (CB) and left-back (LB) for Ajax and the Dutch national team, depending on tactical needs. His ability to perform in either position without compromising defensive quality is part of what makes him such an attractive signing. For Chelsea, he could operate on the left of a back three or deputise for Marc Cucurella in a more traditional full-back role.
What type of player is Jorrel Hato?
Jorrel Hato is a modern, left-footed defender known for his tactical intelligence, calm under pressure, and technical excellence. He excels at progressing the ball through passing or carrying, is aggressive in duels, and shows strong anticipation in defensive situations. While he still has areas to develop, particularly in aerial challenges and using his weaker foot, his ceiling is extremely high. His style of play fits teams that build from the back and dominate possession.
How much will Jorrel Hato cost?
Chelsea are currently in advanced negotiations with Ajax, and the expected fee is around €40 million. Given his age, versatility, and potential, the investment reflects both immediate squad value and long-term upside.
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