Chelsea’s long-term plan for the left-back position revealed following Ben Chilwell’s departure

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TBR Football understands that Chelsea intends to use Jorrel Hato as a left-back option this season following Ben Chilwell’s departure from the club.

Chilwell escaped Chelsea’s infamous ‘bomb squad’ during the summer transfer window by making a permanent move to Strasbourg in a bid to kickstart his career again.

However, with Marc Cucurella as the only recognised left-back at the club, there have been questions over what Chelsea intend to do for cover.

Hato joined Chelsea in the summer transfer window for £35.5million from Ajax. Despite his ability to play centrally, he was signed as a left-back.

Exclusive: Jorrel Hato will provide competition for Marc Cucurella

Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent for TBR Football – has been told that Chelsea brought Hato in to be one of their left-backs moving forward, as he can play in multiple positions.

Like Cucurella, Hato can play centrally if needed, especially if Enzo Maresca switches to a back three at any point.

Both men can easily slot into that role, which means that Chelsea will be able to adapt easily within a game, regardless of who Maresca has opted to start.

Right now, Cucurella and Hato are being seen by the club as wing-backs, and Hato has been signed for that position.

He is effectively coming in to replace Chilwell directly, providing competition and cover for Cucurella at Stamford Bridge.

The decision to sign Hato as a left-back isn’t random either. He had only played centre-half once for Ajax in the last couple of years, with the Dutch outfit using him more as a wing-back last season.

Jorrel Hato will push Marc Cucurella more than Ben Chilwell

Even though Chilwell is considered a traditional left-back and enjoyed considerable success at Chelsea, he hasn’t provided any real competition for Cucurella in some time.

It had been over a year since Chilwell last appeared for Chelsea, with Maresca opting to use players out of position to replace Cucurella rather than trust Chilwell.

The arrival of Hato will change that, which should improve Cucurella’s performances as he now has genuine competition for a place in the team.

He is highly regarded within the game, as TBR Football previously revealed that Arsenal were frustrated that Chelsea signed Hato, as the Gunners expect him to become one of the world’s best.