EPL: Jaap Stam names Chelsea star Xabi Alonso must not joke with
Former Defender Jaap Stam Advocates for Young Chelsea Player Jorrel Hato
LONDON — Jaap Stam, a former defender for Manchester United, has urged the next manager of Chelsea FC to provide Jorrel Hato with ample playing time. Stam’s comments come amid speculation that Xabi Alonso, a former midfielder for Liverpool and Real Madrid, is the frontrunner to lead the team.
Hato, a 20-year-old central defender, joined Chelsea from Ajax this summer for £37 million. After a challenging start in West London, he has emerged as one of the club’s more dependable defenders.
In an interview with ComeOn, Stam expressed concerns about Chelsea’s management of young talent. He stated, “Jorrel Hato is a very talented player. When I saw him as a centre-back under Liam Rosenior, I was quite impressed.”
Stam highlighted Hato’s performance in significant matches, recalling a strong showing against Manchester City. “He’s very comfortable on the ball, which is typical for a player from Holland. He needs to be able to dribble into midfield and create an extra man,” he added.
Stam noted Hato’s speed and aggressive playing style, emphasizing his experience as a left-back during his time at Ajax. He criticized Chelsea’s practice of acquiring young players without offering them sufficient opportunities. “It’s a shame for a player like him because he needs to play and improve through experience,” he said.
Looking ahead, Stam expressed hope that Hato would play a larger role in the upcoming season, underlining that this largely depends on the new manager. “When a new manager arrives at Chelsea, they often feel pressure to achieve immediate success,” he noted. “This frequently leads to a preference for more experienced players.”
During Enzo Maresca’s tenure as head coach, Hato struggled for playing time, appearing only once in the last eight weeks of the season. Maresca had previously described Hato’s experience as a vital addition to the squad but expressed concerns about the demands of the English Premier League.
As Chelsea prepares for its next chapter, the future of Jorrel Hato remains uncertain.
