'Great' Hato ready for Chelsea - Ten Hag

Bayer Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag says Chelsea have signed a "great player" in Jorrel Hato.

On Friday evening, the 19-year-old defender made his Chelsea debut in a 2-0 win over Leverkusen - who are now coached by former Manchester United boss Ten Hag.

The Dutch centre-back broke through at Ajax the season after Ten Hag moved to Old Trafford but the boss was aware of his potential to make it at the highest level.

Asked about Hato's potential by BBC Sport, Ten Hag said: "For sure. [I told him] I bet he regrets that he missed me at Ajax because they didn't win the titles in the past couple of years!

"The moment I left, he came in but he developed and progressed so well. He was one of the best, maybe the best player in the Eredivisie. He is so young but already on a very high level.

"You always need some time, but he has a very good mentality and then he can progress really quickly. He has all the elements, all the skills in his game to prove he can be a very successful player.

"I am very sure he will succeed at Chelsea. I congratulate Chelsea for signing this great player."

Hato made his debut at left-back where he spent most of last season at Ajax but he had initially been a central defender in the Dutch top flight.

With Levi Colwill now out for the majority of the season after knee surgery, debate has begun about Hato's best position.

"He can do both, you will see," Hato said.

Fellow debutant Estevao Willian and Joao Pedro scored in a dominant win at Stamford Bridge.