Bayer Leverkusen are not yet ready for the start of the Bundesliga. Erik ten Hag’s side were given plenty of homework in their visit to Chelsea (2-0). Jorrel Hato came on as a substitute for the London side.
Last week, Jorrel Hato completed his much-discussed transfer from Ajax to Chelsea, a move that instantly made headlines across Europe.
The young Dutch defender, just 18 years old, is widely seen as one of the brightest prospects to emerge from the fabled Ajax academy in recent years, following in the footsteps of players like Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong. Chelsea’s scouting team had been tracking Hato for months, impressed not only by his defensive solidity but also by his ability to carry the ball out from the back and start attacking moves. Several elite European clubs including some in Spain and Germany had shown interest, but Chelsea acted decisively, sealing the deal before the competition could escalate.
His debut came sooner than expected. Against Bayer Leverkusen at Stamford Bridge, Hato began on the bench, but manager Enzo Maresca eager to test the youngster in front of a home crowd introduced him in the second half. The reaction from the stands was overwhelmingly positive, with fans excited to see how the teenager might fit into a defensive unit that already features big names. Though his time on the pitch was brief, Hato demonstrated composure beyond his years, reading the game well and showing the calm distribution that had made him such a standout in the Eredivisie.
For Bayer Leverkusen and Erik ten Hag, the night could hardly have gone worse. The build-up to the game was overshadowed by unexpected turmoil. First-choice goalkeeper and team captain Lukáš Hrádecký abruptly departed for AS Monaco just before kick-off in what German media described as a move “like a thief in the night.” The sudden exit left Ten Hag scrambling to reorganise his squad at the eleventh hour. Mark Flekken, the Dutch international goalkeeper recently signed to provide competition, was thrust into the starting role with almost no time to mentally prepare for facing a Premier League powerhouse away from home.
Despite this disruption, Flekken emerged as one of the few bright spots for Leverkusen. Chelsea dominated from the outset, and without Flekken’s sharp reflexes, the scoreline could easily have ballooned. The first goal came from Brazilian wonderkid Estêvão, who at just 17 has already been tipped as a future global superstar. Displaying blistering pace and close control, he ghosted past two defenders before slotting home with precision. João Pedro doubled Chelsea’s lead with a clinical finish after capitalising on a defensive lapse, further underlining the visitors’ fragility.
Chelsea’s dominance was not just in the scoreline but also in the statistics. The Blues registered 24 shots on goal, with a significant proportion testing Flekken directly. Their midfield orchestrated by a combination of young energy and seasoned control dictated the tempo, recycling possession and forcing Leverkusen to chase shadows. At times, it seemed as though the German champions couldn’t string together more than a handful of passes before being dispossessed.
Ten Hag’s side looked disjointed and lacking in cohesion, a stark contrast to the fluid, well-drilled outfit that lifted the Bundesliga trophy last season. Several of his recent signings are still adjusting to the team’s style of play, and the absence of key figures was glaring. More worryingly, Leverkusen’s defensive organisation usually one of their strengths collapsed under Chelsea’s relentless pressing and quick passing combinations.
In the post-match analysis, pundits were quick to note that this was more than just a bad pre-season result. For Ten Hag, it was a reminder of the physical and tactical demands that come with facing elite Premier League opposition, as well as a clear sign that the squad needs further fine-tuning before the competitive fixtures begin. The Bundesliga season is fast approaching, and Leverkusen will also have to juggle Champions League commitments a challenge that will require both depth and consistency.
Chelsea, on the other hand, will take plenty of positives from the evening. The performance of their young talents, including Hato’s confident debut, bodes well for a season in which squad rotation will be crucial. Maresca’s side looked sharp, cohesive, and tactically prepared, even in a friendly. The blend of established stars and emerging prospects is giving fans reason to believe they can challenge for honours again.
As for Hato, his Chelsea career is only just beginning, but the early signs are promising. If he can continue to adapt quickly to the pace and physicality of English football, he may become an integral part of the club’s defensive future a future that, judging by this performance, could be bright indeed.
