Enzo Maresca explains the problem Jorrel Hato has had since joining Chelsea

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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca thinks Jorrel Hato has struggled in a couple of areas since arriving at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea signed Hato from Ajax in the summer, and the defender could face his former club on Wednesday.

So far this season, Hato has only made two starts in the Premier League. Heading into Wednesday’s game, he is yet to feature in the Champions League.

While the 19-year-old is yet to establish himself at Chelsea, he was a key player for Ajax and is missed there. Ajax’s win rate has dropped significantly following Hato’s exit.

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Jorrel Hato struggling with ‘physicality and intensity’

Hato’s need to adapt appears to be one reason for his lack of starts at Chelsea.

According to Maresca, the left-back has struggled with the “physicality and intensity” of English football.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, which has been relayed by football.london, the Chelsea head coach said: “We are very happy with Jorrel since he arrived. He is trying to adapt to English football. We are very happy with him. The first two or three weeks, he struggled with physicality and intensity but he is getting better and better.

“I think he can play both. He is a very good player, he can be a central defender, or a full-back, a midfielder in the attacking phase. He can play in different positions.”

Despite the above, Hato did not look too bad in games against Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion, where he played as a central defender.

He was quite confident on the ball and could be a good option for the left centre-back position going forward.

With all of the injuries that Maresca has had there this season, he may need the Netherlands international to start in that position in some games.

Chelsea were poor in their 3-1 defeat to Brighton, but Hato was definitely one positive that day.