Chelsea star Ian Maatsen has been called up Netherlands to replace injured Steven Berghuis
According to Football.London, Chelsea youngster Ian Maatsen has received a call-up to represent the Netherlands in the upcoming October matches, stepping in for the injured Steven Berghuis. The Dutch side are set to face France and Greece in crucial Euro qualifiers.
This marks Maatsen’s first call-up the senior national team, a significant milestone for the young player who has predominantly showcased his talents in various youth squads.
Last season, Maatsen was on loan to Burnley but has since returned to Chelsea, making six appearances under the guidance of manager Mauricio Pochettino, often as a substitute.
Notably, Maatsen came close to rejoining Burnley on loan after Chelsea accepted their offer. However, the left-back rejected the opportunity to move to the Vincent Kompany-led side.
The future for Maatsen at Chelsea remains uncertain. While the club is keen to secure him with a long-term contract, he is yet to put pen to paper. If a new agreement isn’t reached, Chelsea may consider listing him for transfer in January, given that his current deal expires in 2024 (Transfermarkt).
Now, with the opportunity to shine on the international stage and possibly replace the long-standing left-back Daley Blind under the management of Ronald Koeman, Maatsen’s performance could play a pivotal role in the Dutch side’s ambitions to secure a place in Euro 2024. It is hoped that Maatsen’s skills will catch Koeman’s eye, potentially earning him a spot in the Euro 2024 lineup.
While Ian Maatsen’s natural position as a left-back at Chelsea remains untested, Mauricio Pochettino has primarily deployed Levi Colwill in that role. However, with a fully fit squad, we may witness some positional experimentation. With his call-up to the national squad, there’s optimism that Maatsen’s performance will encourage Pochettino to consider him as a left-back in future matches.
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Considering his current contract situation, the hope is that Maatsen and Chelsea can come to terms on a new contract. His exceptional talent and potential make him a valuable asset for the team’s future success.