Chelsea's 20-year-old already 'one of the better' players in his position, claims former Premier League player

Patrick van Aanholt praises Jorrel Hato's rapid development in his first season at Chelsea

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:54am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a soccer player in action, with sharp, overlapping geometric planes in Chelsea's blue and white colors, capturing the dynamic energy of the game.A young Chelsea defender's rapid rise to prominence is highlighted through a cubist, geometric interpretation of his dynamic play on the pitch.Chelsea Today

Former Chelsea left-back Patrick van Aanholt has been impressed by the progress of 20-year-old Jorrel Hato in his first season at the club. Van Aanholt believes Hato has developed to the point where he is now one of the better left-backs in the Premier League, having broken into the starting lineup after initially being on the bench.

Why it matters

Hato's rapid rise at Chelsea is significant, as the club has struggled as a team this season. The young defender's emergence as a key player could be a bright spot in an otherwise challenging campaign for the Blues.

The details

Hato joined Chelsea from Ajax last summer and initially found himself on the bench, but Van Aanholt says the player has 'developed to such an extent that he has played his way into the starting lineup.' The former Chelsea player believes 'a fit Hato is one of the better left-backs out there' in the Premier League.

  • Hato joined Chelsea from Ajax last summer.

The players

Jorrel Hato

A 20-year-old defender who joined Chelsea from Ajax last summer and has quickly established himself as a key player in the team's starting lineup.

Patrick van Aanholt

A former Chelsea left-back who has been impressed by Hato's rapid development and believes the young defender is now one of the better left-backs in the Premier League.

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What they’re saying

“I told him at the start of the season: You're going to have to get used to the Premier League. He got his matches, ended up on the bench, and now, after the winter break, I don't know what he did. He has developed to such an extent that he has played his way into the starting lineup. I think that a fit Hato is one of the better left-backs out there.”

— Patrick van Aanholt, Former Chelsea left-back

The takeaway

Hato's rapid development and emergence as a key player for Chelsea at just 20 years old is an encouraging sign for the club, as they look to navigate a challenging season. His ability to adapt to the Premier League and establish himself in the starting lineup has impressed former Chelsea player Van Aanholt, who believes the young defender has the potential to be one of the better left-backs in the league.