Hato only turned 19 in March but has already racked up over 100 appearances for Ajax. He has six Netherlands caps to his name having made his senior debut for the Dutch in November 2023, aged just 17. It has been quite some elevation for the Rotterdam-born defender, who can play at left-back or centre-back.

Physicality

Part of the reason Hato has been able to adapt to men’s football so seamlessly is because of his impressive physical traits. He is a well-built, athletic player who is quick and strong. Hato possesses excellent recovery speed and has the stamina to maintain high levels of intensity for 90 minutes and cover ground effectively.

Regular observers of Ajax have noted another defensive string to Hato’s bow. He may not be the tallest defender, but he jumps with good timing and a springy leap. Last season he won roughly two of every three aerial duels he contested in the Eredivisie. These attributes should stand Hato in good stead as he adapts to what many believe is the most physically demanding league in the world.

Versatility

Enzo Maresca has regularly stated the importance of his players being able to feature in multiple positions. Hato certainly ticks that box. He played almost exactly half his games for Ajax at left-back, and most of the rest at left centre-back.

Of course, part of that flexibility is down to Hato’s physicality. But he is also positionally aware and tactically disciplined, capable of reading danger and adapting appropriately. The left-footer showed at Ajax he is equally as comfortable in both high and low defensive lines, and in a back four or a back three. Such versatility will appeal to Maresca.

Attacking intent

Hato’s comfort in possession proved useful for Ajax whether he was playing in central defence or at left-back. He registered a pass completion rate of 90.3 per cent in the Eredivisie last season, a tally beaten by only eight players.

In his first full season in the Ajax side, 2023/24, Hato was tasked with carrying the ball out of central defence to start attacks. Having spent several of his formative years in one of the best academies in world football, Hato is technically accomplished and brave in possession. Netherlands great Frank de Boer described him as having a ‘positive’ mindset when he has the ball.

That mentality is reflected when he plays on the left of defence, too. Hato was deployed in that role last season, and it was from there he recorded six league assists as Ajax finished second in the table. No defender in the Dutch top flight made more.

Several of those assists came when the Eredivisie Talent of the Year inverted into midfield, in a similar manner to what we have often seen Marc Cucurella do for Chelsea. Hato is clearly not afraid to make inroads deep into enemy territory, and this helped Ajax create overloads and open passing lanes from which to attack their opponents. Hato’s first goal for Ajax, against Vitesse Arnhem in November 2023, stemmed from one such move that he started in his own half. After exchanging passes with two team-mates, Hato continued his run into the box to finish from close range.

Of his other three goals for Ajax, two were from set-pieces, while the pick of the bunch was a stunning curling effort away to Vojvodina in the Europa League. It showcased what a wonderful left foot Hato has.

Leadership

A wise head on young shoulders accompanies these physical and technical attributes. Hato became the third youngest Eredivisie debutant in Ajax’s history when he played his first game in that competition in February 2023, and by the end of the calendar year, he had captained Ajax in the Europa League and the Dutch Cup. He was still only 17.

Hato’s leadership qualities have been recognised at international level, too. He has skippered Netherlands youth teams including at this summer’s European Under-21 Championships in Slovakia, when the Dutch were edged out by England in the semi-finals. It is clear Hato relishes responsibility.

‘He is a very good player with a good left foot,’ Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, one of the best Dutch players to have worn the Chelsea shirt, told us upon hearing the news.

‘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.’

Jimmy doesn’t often miss. Chelsea fans have a lot to look forward to.

Chelsea fans have the chance to celebrate our hugely successful 2024/25 campaign with players from both our men's team and women's team at an exclusive event at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. Get your tickets now.