{"id":356,"date":"2026-08-04T11:26:24","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T11:26:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=356"},"modified":"2026-08-04T11:26:24","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T11:26:24","slug":"jorrel-hato-hints-hes-ready-to-play-in-surprise-position-under-xabi-alonso-at-chelsea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=356","title":{"rendered":"Jorrel Hato hints he’s ready to play in surprise position under Xabi Alonso at Chelsea"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Jorrel Hato is one of the most versatile players in Chelsea\u2019s squad, playing at both left-back and centre-back last season.<\/strong><\/p>\n

With Marc Cucurella departing for Real Madrid, Hato<\/a> is expected to start at left-back under Xabi Alonso<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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However, the 20-year-old has hinted that he is prepared to play in a new position this upcoming campaign if necessary.<\/p>\n

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Who would you rather see at left-back next season, Jorrel Hato or Lewis Hall?<\/h3>\n

Hall is being linked with a return to Chelsea following Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid \ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Jorrel Hato ready to play in midfield<\/h2>\n

In the middle of the park, Chelsea<\/a> have new signing Jordan Henderson, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo as options.<\/p>\n

For the time being, Alonso also has Enzo Fernandez, while his Argentina teammate Valentin Barco is a midfielder, too.<\/p>\n

If needed, though, Hato is ready to play in midfield or anywhere his manager requires him to.<\/p>\n

In an interview with Chelsea\u2019s official club website<\/a>, Hato said: \u201cWe know the manager is very flexible with his approach, and we are like that as a team. Whether we play with a back four or a three, there are roles for me because I can play as a centre-back or as a left-back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve also played in midfield and I do like to invert and get involved with the play, so I think I can offer the manager a good option. For me though, it doesn\u2019t really matter. I\u2019m happy to play wherever I\u2019m needed, and whenever I put on the Chelsea shirt, I give my all.\u201d<\/p>\n

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It will be very interesting to see what Chelsea\u2019s midfield partnership looks like in their first game of the new Premier League<\/a> season.<\/p>\n

A lot will depend on what happens with Fernandez. If the 25-year-old remains at Stamford Bridge<\/a>, he will be nailed on to start alongside Caicedo.<\/p>\n

However, if Fernandez is sold, you would expect the Blues to sign a replacement and for him to line up alongside Caicedo at Craven Cottage on 24 August.<\/p>\n

Jorrel Hato\u2019s best position<\/h2>\n

Technically, Hato certainly has the ability to play in midfield. As you would expect from an Ajax academy product, the Dutchman is comfortable on the ball and can pass.<\/p>\n

Being a defender, he can obviously tackle and make interceptions as well. Nevertheless, his best position is centre-back.<\/p>\n

When Hato played in that role last season, he read the game well, made some good tackles and blocks and was calm in possession. <\/p>\n

Chelsea\u2019s potential back four looks solid<\/a>, but it remains to be seen whether Hato can successfully succeed Cucurella if he does become the Blues\u2019 first-choice left-back. <\/p>\n

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