William Gallas says Jorrel Hato is ‘little small’ for the Premier League, questions Alejandro Garnacho’s mentality | OneFootball

Former Premier League star William Gallas has provided his opinion on the summer signings of Jorrel Hato and Alejandro Garnacho at Chelsea.

The Blues had a good summer transfer window with multiple arrivals. The onus will be on challenging for the league title after a top-four finish last term.

Hato was signed from Ajax to reinforce the Blues’ defence this summer, but Gallas has some concerns over his ability to adapt to the league.

The former Blues defender said that he does not expect Hato to start against the biggest sides, but should get playing time versus the weaker clubs.

He added that Hato is a ‘little small’ for a central defender in the Premier League and could operate as a deputy for Marc Cucurella in the left-back role.

Gallas said: “I don’t expect to see him against the biggest sides in the Champions League, but he should get some time on the pitch in the League Cup, the FA Cup and against the weaker sides in the Premier League.

“Everyone will be trying to help him, but it’s up to him to show his quality. I’m sure he’s got the personality, so that means he won’t be afraid of the challenge. The one problem he might have is he’s a little small for a centre-back, so maybe he’ll get more time as a full-back.

“In the Premier League, the requirements are completely different from the Netherlands, so let’s see where he plays. He has played a lot at left-back, so perhaps he will be able to give Maresca a rotation option in that position and can deputise for Cucurella. He can also play on the left of a back three.”

Garnacho made the move to Stamford Bridge in the lead-up to the transfer deadline. The Argentine was determined to join the Blues, and the club eventually secured an agreement with Manchester United.

Gallas believes Garnacho would be a positive influence if he can hit the ground running from the off, but added that question marks will be raised over his mentality and ability to perform consistently.

He said about Garnacho: “If he has that desire, that will benefit the whole squad, his energy will be contagious. In the middle of the season, when it gets to December, then we will see how he’s getting on. Your head can drop if you’re not playing enough, or the weather is grim.

“It’s harder to keep your performance levels up and his energy could drop. What we should expect from Garnacho is that even if he’s not starting every game, he has to play like he did when he first made his name at United.

“He was scoring goals, he was the main man on the wing. Slowly he dropped off, and we don’t really know why. That’s why there’s a question mark hanging over him.”

Hato comes with a big reputation from Ajax, where he was the occasional captain despite his tender age. At 19, he could be eased into first-team action at Chelsea.

The £37 million signing played as a left-back throughout last season. His future could be in the same role. He could start games where Cucurella is unfit or given a breather.

Garnacho, on the other hand, has vast experience in the English top-flight. The Blues will anticipate an instant impact from the Argentine, given he is about to enter his prime.

Despite his mixed relationship with United manager Ruben Amorim, the 21-year-old had a relatively good 2024/25 campaign, registering 21 goal contributions in all competitions.

He faces competition from Pedro Neto and Jamie Gittens for his preferred left wing role at Chelsea.

If he can perform to his potential, he should become an undisputed starter as the season progresses.