‘’I am so happy”- Mauricio Pochettino lauds ‘clever’ Chelsea starlet

Mauricio Pochettino has given massive boost to Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen ahead of next campaign

Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that Ian Maatsen is part of his plans for next season after the youngster impressed the Argentine in the last three Chelsea pre-season games.

Despite being a left-back, Maatsen has started on the left wing twice, then on the right wing, and has been excellent in both positions, which has caught the attention of Pochettino in the pre-season

In the 5-0 win over Wrexham, the 21-year-old started on the left wing and was also on the scoresheet as he registered a brace, while in the 4-3 win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Maatsen once again operated from the left wing.

In their recent pre-season game 1-1 draw with Newcastle United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the 21-year-old was on the right wing and had an assist to his name. For a player who has just one competitive appearance for Chelsea’s senior side in five years, this feels like a real turning point for him.

His performance has paid dividends, and Pochettino is set to keep him at Chelsea for next season. Speaking to the media after the Newcastle game, (h/t Metro) the Argentine boss said:

‘’I am so happy with him so far. He is a player who can play in different positions. His quality, his understanding of the game—he is a clever player. So far, he is in my plans. I am so pleased with him. As I told you before, I am so pleased because he is a player whose attitude, commitment, and understanding of the game we can use in different positions.”

Although it is only preseason, Maatsen has truly excelled on the attacking line. He has two goals and an assist to his name in the last three games, which is beneficial for boosting his confidence for the next Premier League season.

Maatsen will hope to play an integral part in Pochettino’s plans for the upcoming season, given that the manager has stated he would like to include him in his plans. But it could come at the cost of playing in rather unfamiliar positions for him.

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Chelsea already have Ben Chilwell, Lewis Hall and Marc Cucurella for the left-back role. Perhaps a role in attack or on the opposite flank can be where Maatsen makes his name under Poch. At least for now.