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Chelsea’s ‘Brilliant’ Jorrel Hato Shines For Rosenior vs Charlton
Liam Rosenior started his reign as Chelsea manager with a win over Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup third round, and he might have lit a fire under one of his starters. The Blues ran out 5–1 winners on the night against a tough Addicks side who made life difficult for the visitors at times.
Jorrel Hato opened the scoring by firing home a half-volley in the 45+4th minute, which drew comparisons to former Blue Marcos Alonso’s lethal left-footed strikes. It was two, five minutes into the second half, when Tosin Adarabioyo got on the end of Facundo Buonanotte’s cross.
Charlton pulled one back in the 57th minute through Miles Leaburn, much to the delight of the home fans. But their celebrations were cut short five minutes later when Marc Guiu capitalised on poor goalkeeping from Will Mannion to tuck home a third.
It was a job well done for Rosenior once Pedro Neto added a late fourth, and Enzo Fernandez struck a fifth from the spot. The Englishman who replaced Enzo Maresca earlier this week is tasked with galvanising his group of players and has already got the best performance out of one member of his squad.
Charlton 1-5 Chelsea: Rosenior Unlocks Hato
Maresca’s departure came after he aired his grievances with the board having wanted a new center-back signed in the summer. One defender who arrived at Stamford Bridge was Jorrel Hato, joining Chelsea from Ajax in a £37 million deal.
The young Dutch defender failed to win Maresca over at the start of the season, making just two league starts and 11 appearances in all competitions. But Rosenior used the FA Cup as an opportunity to give the 19-year-old a chance to impress, and he repaid the new manager’s faith.
Hato was bright throughout, netting a stunning strike, branded “brilliant” by TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher, but also bombing down the wing to help his side in attack while performing well defensively. He won three of four ground duels, completed two of three dribble attempts and made three recoveries.
It was a promising display from the teenager that might have earned him more opportunities in Rosenior’s side moving forward. He is behind Marc Cucurella in the pecking order but could put pressure on the Spaniard, who missed the Charlton win through suspension.
“Going to Bench Cucurella” – Chelsea Fans Praise Hato
Cucurella has been one of Chelsea’s best performers this season, and it seems unlikely Rosenior will consider dropping the 27-year-old to the bench. That’s, unless Hato pushes on and continues to put in performances like tonight.
Some of the Stamford Bridge faithful want to see the Dutch youngster displace the Spain international. One fan wrote on X, “I hope Rosenior gradually moves Cucurella out to the bench, Hato is far better in our system than that aggression merchant.”
Cucurella will expect to return to the starting XI when the Blues face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final next Wednesday. But he’s been fired a warning by one supporter, “Cucurella watch your back Hato is coming.”
Another supporter was confident that the former Ajax academy graduate would soon be claiming a starting berth, “Hato is going to bench Cucurella.” That was echoed by another fan, “Liam Rosenior will unlock Hato, bro has been solid throughout. Cucurella you ain’t save no more.”
Hato’s immediate impact following Rosenior’s appointment didn’t go unnoticed by one fan, “Liam Rosenior comes in and Jorrel Hato is the best player on the pitch what’s going on.” Another expects him to fare well under the new boss, “Hato gonna have some fun under Rosenior.”
The Rotterdam-born defender’s goal kick-started the Rosenior era, and this has enthused one fan, “Hato scoring the first goal of the Rosenior era is such an omen of him becoming great under his management, I’m so excited to see what he does.”
Another is equally optimistic over his future under the English coach, “I have a feeling Hato is going to enjoy life under Rosenior.” One fan agreed with this, “Hato will explode under Rosenior.”
Hato was highly coveted in the summer, and many expect him to become a regular at the international level in the years to come. His first task will be to try and nail down a place in Rosenior’s starting lineup on a permanent basis.
He is helped by his versatility, able to play at centre-back, which could be considered. Trevoh Chalobah has been in topsy-turvy form this season, and Tosin doesn’t feel like the answer, albeit he is a capable back-up option.
