Fears Xabi Alonso would snub Chelsea star despite 33 appearances this season

One of the biggest problems Chelsea are going to face moving forward has very little to do with talent because nobody doubts the potential among the squad.

The bigger issue is whether Chelsea can actually provide those players with the game time needed to develop when immediate success is expected almost instantly.

Jorrel Hato joined from Ajax last summer. He has featured in 33 matches in all competitions, but despite injuries to other players, has started just 10 times in the Premier League.

And former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam has highlighted how BlueCo’s transfer policy, which centres primarily around signing high potential players, contradicts their expectations.

The club want to build around elite young talent while also competing for major honours across multiple competitions, and those two things don’t always go together.

Jaap Stam impressed by Jorrel Hato

Speaking to ComeOn, as quoted by Football London, about Hato, Stam admitted how impressive he’s been but added the young defender needs even minutes.

“Jorrel Hato is a very talented player. When I saw him play as a centre-back when Liam Rosenior was there, I was quite impressed.

He needs to be quick, which he is, and he’s quite aggressive in his style of play. He can also play as a left-back, where he played for a longer period at Ajax.”

Honestly, it is difficult to disagree with Stam there.

Chelsea have spent the last few years collecting some of the best young players in world football, but opportunities have not always followed. Admittedly, it’s a tough balancing act, but the Blues do keep coming unstuck.

Potential playing time under Xabi Alonso a major concern

Chelsea are working to appoint a new manager with Xabi Alonso looking the likely candidate to succeed Liam Rosenior.

Should the 44-year-old arrive at Stamford Bridge before next season, he’ll be expected to hit the ground running, and Stam feels that pressure could come at the expense of some players, particuarly Hato.

“It’s shame, but that’s how Chelsea operates, bringing in young players, not always giving them an opportunity, and then maybe selling them on when they do well. It’s a shame for a player like him because he needs to play and improve by playing a lot of games.

Hopefully, he’ll have a bigger next season and a greater impact. Of course, that depends on the manager who comes in. At Chelsea, when a new manager arrives, they need to perform and be successful immediately.

That often means managers pick more experienced, older players, because they think it’s easier to take the next step with them. I don’t always agree with that.”

Should Alonso be the man for the job, irrespective of his reputation as one of Europe’s best young coaches, he’s unlikely to be granted more patience than any of his predecessors. Therefore, results will take priority.

And while that doesn’t mean players like Hato can’t succeed at Chelsea, it will put more pressure on him to perform to the highest level whenever he is called upon.