Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has spoken very highly of his compatriot Jorrel Hato following the defender’s move to Chelsea.
Chelsea announced Hato‘s arrival from Ajax on Sunday, with the Dutchman joining the club on a seven-year deal.
Ajax wanted to keep Hato for another year, but both he and the Club World Cup winners had other ideas.
Hasselbaink could see another one of his countrymen move to Stamford Bridge this summer, as Chelsea continue to be linked with RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty ImagesJimmy Floyd Hasselbaink praises Jorrel Hato’s competitiveness, hunger and desire to learn
Hailing from the Netherlands, Hasselbaink knows a lot about the Dutch game so is very familiar with Hato.
He thinks the left-back, who can also play at centre-back, will be a “great addition” to Enzo Maresca‘s squad because of his competitiveness, hunger, desire to learn and much more.
Speaking to Chelsea’s official club website about Hato, the former striker said: “He is a very good player with a good left foot. He was playing for Ajax at 17, he was in the Dutch squad at 19.
“He is very competitive, very hungry, and he wants to learn. He is getting better all the time, and will be a great addition to the Chelsea squad. It’s a top signing.”
Last month, Hasselbaink also discussed another Chelsea player, Nicolas Jackson. Hasselbaink praised Jackson, impressed with the 24-year-old’s pressing and work rate.
He may not be at Stamford Bridge for much longer, though, following Chelsea’s acquisitions of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap. Their arrivals have seen him drop down the pecking order.
Aston Villa could make a swoop for Jackson, depending on what happens with Ollie Watkins, meaning that the Senegal international may not get a chance to play with Hato.
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty ImagesWhat Jorrel Hato has said about move to Chelsea
Hasselbaink is excited about Hato’s switch to west London and, unsurprisingly, so is the Netherlands international himself.
He told Chelsea’s website: “I thought a lot about my future and wanted to take the next step in my career. Chelsea is the best place for me to do that so I’m very happy.”
Despite still being just 19 years of age, Hato arrives at the Bridge with a good amount of experience. He finished his Ajax career having made more than 100 appearances for the club.
Jorrel Hato’s Ajax careerAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow cardsRed cardsEredivisie7538120Europa League170160Europa League qualifying81020Conference League40000KNVB Cup70000Total11149200Via Transfermarkt
All in all, Hato could prove to be very smart business by Chelsea, especially with Maresca having been in need of cover for Marc Cucurella.