“Good performance” – Chelsea player praised for defensive showing in difficult circumstances | OneFootball

We’re trying to find some positive things to say about a dreadful Chelsea result at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues were 1-0 up, but then lost Trevoh Chalobah to a red card and ended up losing the game 3-1.

One player who we did think had a good game was Jorrel Hato. The Dutchman was being called into action in the middle of defence for the first time this season as injuries tore through Enzo Maresca’s other options, and he did well in his time on the pitch.

Hato gets solid ratings after stepping up to cover in midfield

Jorrel Hato defends against Lincoln

The opinion from those watching seemed to agree.

The Evening Standard gave him a 6/10 and said:

“Good performance by the Dutchman, who passed well and jockeyed Brighton’s slippery attackers when he needed to. Boded well, as he could well be needed again versus Benfica and Liverpool.”

The Daily Express also gave him a 6, but were less positive about his contributions on the ball:

“First time we’ve seen the Dutchman start at centre-back. Misplaced a few passes when trying to feed the ball into midfield.”

A more detailed view from London’s First said:

“His first start at LCB and based on this game he seemed much more comfortable on the ball and his passing ranges and angles to look out for our midfielders really helped our transitional play. Even when down to 10, he looked composed and comfortable playing in that role.”

Hato likely to have to repeat at centre back next week

With Chalobah now added to the list of the unavailable at centre back for next week, we’re going to need Hato to keep up this good form. We face Benfica on Tuesday and then Liverpool next Sunday. Hato is likely going to have to play in one, if not both, of those games at centre back.

Let’s hope he can carry forward’s today’s form into those games.