Film study: Jorrel Hato

Is the Arsenal-linked defender another Timber, or something different?

Well, no, the title didn’t happen. But what a damn season it was.

And now we move into a phase of the calendar that seems to generate just as much buzz as the actual football, at least at times - it’s transfer season.

I have been in a massive wrestling match with life over the past couple of months and have had a really hard time finding any time to write, but I’m glad to say I’ve been back in the lab reviewing tape on Jorrel Hato, Ajax’s freshly-18 centre-back and/or left-back extraordinaire.

Like recent Arsenal signing Jurrien Timber, Hato is Dutch-born and found his way through Ajax’s academy before making his senior debut at the ripe old age of 16. This season he kicked off the season as a nailed-on starter for the sputtering Dutch giants, initally as a left-centre-back under Maurice Steijn, and most recently as a left-centre-back in a back 3 or even a traditional left-back in a back four under interim manager John van't Schip.

Ajax has had its worst season in years, sitting fifth after 33 games for what would be their first non-top-three finish in 18 years. But one constant has been Hato, who’s started the first 33 matches in the league and has even worn the armband on occasions when captain Steven Bergwijn isn’t available.

Since CB stats are a devil I don’t particularly desire to dance with, no charts today. This is all film, baby.

His demographic similarities to Timber have led some to believe, and even declare, Hato as another iteration of Timber. But is there any weight to that? Let’s dive into the film.