Jorrel Hato has received mixed reviews from the British press for his first minutes with Chelsea. The nineteen-year-old defender, who joined from Ajax last week for around 44 million euros, made his debut on Friday in the friendly against Bayer Leverkusen (2-0 win).
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Jorrel Hato’s first appearance in a Chelsea shirt has triggered a wave of mixed reactions in the British press, with assessments ranging from enthusiastic praise to cautious criticism.
The 19-year-old Dutch defender, one of Europe’s most highly regarded young talents, completed a high-profile transfer from Ajax just a week ago for a fee reported to be around €44 million. That figure alone ensured that his debut would be under close scrutiny, and Friday’s friendly against Bayer Leverkusen offered the first opportunity for Chelsea supporters and pundits alike to see what the club’s investment might yield.
The match, played as part of Chelsea’s pre-season preparations, ended in a 2-0 win for the Blues, but the real talking point for many was Hato’s introduction at half-time. He replaced established left-back Marc Cucurella, slotting into the defensive line in what was his first taste of English football albeit in a non-competitive setting. Despite the limited minutes, his performance quickly became a subject of debate across different media outlets.
Football London was the most complimentary, awarding Hato a 7 out of 10, the highest rating given to any Chelsea player on the night. Their report emphasised his speed and reading of the game, qualities that allowed him to recover defensive positions quickly and snuff out potential danger. They also noted a particularly impressive defensive action, where his timing in the challenge was flawless, and an attacking contribution that stood out: a moment of neat, confident footwork to set up João Pedro in a threatening position. This combination of composure and technical skill hinted at the player Chelsea hope he will become a modern, progressive defender equally capable of stopping attacks and initiating them.
The Express shared that optimistic tone, describing Hato’s debut as having a “good impact.” Their coverage singled out a hard but fair tackle made while Chelsea were holding a narrow 1-0 lead, a moment that demonstrated both his physical readiness and his calmness under pressure. In their view, such actions suggest he is already developing the competitive edge needed to thrive in the Premier League, even if further adaptation will be required.
The Evening Standard’s verdict was more restrained, giving him a 6 and framing his debut as solid but unspectacular. They did, however, highlight an important factor in his favour: versatility. With Levi Colwill sidelined due to injury, Hato may not be limited to the left-back position. His experience in central defence at Ajax could prove invaluable for Chelsea, especially at a time when the squad’s defensive depth is being tested. For a young player still settling into a new environment, this flexibility could significantly increase his chances of regular minutes early in the season.
The sharpest criticism came from The Sun, which rated him just 4 out of 10. Their analysis painted a less flattering picture, suggesting that Hato looked “rusty” and lost possession on multiple occasions. They also argued that his attacking output was noticeably weaker than Cucurella’s, pointing to a lack of overlapping runs and forward drive. However, even in this critical assessment, there was an acknowledgment of his natural ability. The tabloid stressed that he is “extremely talented” and simply needs time to adapt to the intensity and physical demands of the Premier League, a challenge that has tested many young players moving directly from the Eredivisie.
It is important to recognise the broader context of Hato’s debut. Pre-season friendlies are rarely the perfect measure of a player’s readiness, especially for those who have just arrived in a new country. For Hato, this match was as much about understanding Chelsea’s tactical patterns and building on-field chemistry with his new teammates as it was about producing an immediate, highlight-reel performance. Facing Bayer Leverkusen a team that has excelled in the Bundesliga under Xabi Alonso provided a valuable benchmark, with the German side offering more intensity and organisation than a typical pre-season opponent.
Hato’s path at Chelsea will also be shaped by the club’s current defensive situation. Beyond Colwill’s absence, Reece James is still on the comeback trail from long-term injury, and Ben Chilwell’s fitness continues to be carefully managed. This creates a potential window for Hato to earn competitive minutes sooner than expected. His ability to play both as a full-back and in the heart of defence gives Mauricio Pochettino greater tactical flexibility, and his composure on the ball aligns well with the manager’s preference for defenders who can contribute to the build-up phase.
However, the transition from Ajax to Chelsea and from the Eredivisie to the Premier League is never straightforward. The speed of the game, the physical duels, and the mental demands are all significantly higher. Many foreign players, particularly those still in their teens, need months rather than weeks to find their rhythm. Hato’s debut reflected both sides of that equation: glimpses of the intelligence and technical ability that persuaded Chelsea to invest heavily in him, and moments of inexperience that will need to be ironed out over time.
For Chelsea fans, the takeaway is that their new signing has already shown flashes of what he can offer, even if it may take the better part of a season for him to fully impose himself. For Hato, the challenge now is to absorb the lessons from his debut, adapt quickly to the demands of English football, and be ready to take advantage of any opportunities that arise whether at left-back or in central defence.
If the reviews from his first outing are anything to go by, his journey in a Chelsea shirt will be closely followed, debated, and, inevitably, judged against the high expectations that come with both his reputation and his price tag.
Updated: 07:45, 9 Aug 2025
