Late call-up Hato boosts Chelsea selection case in Everton win

Jorrel Hato in action for Chelsea against Everton. — Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Featured Late call-up Hato boosts Chelsea selection case in Everton win By Fiona Castellano – 20th Oct 2026, 09:00pm Jorrel Hato turned a late call-up into a strong audition at Everton, assisting in Chelsea’s 2-0 win and giving Xabi Alonso another decision to weigh on the left.

Hato was not expected to start at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but Pep Chavarria withdrew after suffering a minor knock in the build-up. The Dutch defender stepped in, helped create Pedro Neto’s opener and strengthened his case for a larger role under Alonso, as Chelsea’s defensive selection continues to take shape.

According to football.london, Hato combined with Morgan Rogers before overlapping and finding Neto unmarked at the back post. Neto scored both goals in the 2-0 victory, which brought Chelsea their first Premier League clean sheet of the 2026/27 season, according to the club’s official report.

It was Hato’s third assist in his sixth appearance across all competitions this season. He won all three of his ground duels, completed both dribbles he attempted, played three passes into the final third and recovered possession twice.

The performance came after a setback. Hato had been an unused substitute in each of Chelsea’s previous two league matches, having lost his place after the draw with Hull City. He misjudged a cross before Hull’s equaliser and was substituted at half-time.

Before that appearance, Hato had registered two assists in three outings at wing-back. His attacking contribution against Everton offered Alonso another example of what he can provide from a wide defensive position, and renewed the competition with Chavarria for selection.

The Chelsea Chronicle also highlighted Hato’s forward runs and successful dribbles against Everton, describing his wing-back contribution as a positive surprise. That display adds another consideration as Alonso works with a flexible defensive structure, rather than leaving Hato’s attacking ability as a one-off talking point.

Hato has said Chelsea worked at Cobham on improving their defensive solidity. After wins over Bournemouth and Everton, he wants the team to build on that run and keep producing clean sheets.

Alonso’s next selection point comes with Tottenham due at Stamford Bridge. How he uses Hato and Chavarria will be one of the decisions to follow as Chelsea enter a busy run of fixtures.

Alonso has been adapting Chelsea’s defensive shape, giving him different ways to use his wide defenders.

The competition for places adds another factor to Alonso’s approach at Chelsea.

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