Following Ian Maatsen’s wonderful preseason performances, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has changed his mind about letting him leave the club permanently this summer. The 21-year-old made an impression when on loan at Burnley during the 2022–23 season, which saw them regain their Premier League spot.
Chelsea Boss Mauricio Pochettino is ‘happy’ with Ian Maatsen versatile abilities
Maatsen was desired by the Clarets on a permanent basis after his performances. But Chelsea is demanding “too much” as deemed by the Lancashire outfit, Burnley. However recently, a £15 million bid for Ian Maatsen from Vincent Kompany’s team has already been turned down by Chelsea.
Pochettino’s opinion has been influenced by his superb performances at left back and on the wing. The 21 year old also possess playmaking ability, which may have revived his Stamford Bridge career. Maatsen played 42 times for Burnley last season in all competitions. The youngster scored four goals for Burnley and provided out six assists. He played a significant role in club’s promotion to Premier League after being crowned as champions. He generated an impressive total of 11 “big chances” created to demonstrate his offensive danger. The Dutchman additionally proved his defensive prowess, recording 3.3 tackles and interceptions per game over the course of his 39 league games. Kompany praises the Dutchman saying:
“He’s a very, very versatile full-back with lots of energy and great potential.”
Since joining the Blues in 2018, the Netherlands Under-21 star has spent spells on loan at several clubs outside of Chelsea. Additionally, he had some experience at Charlton and Coventry in the EFL. Maatsen’s contract term at Stamford Bridge expires in less than a year. The Dutchman made a name for himself during Chelsea’s preseason activities in the United States and has won Pochettino’s admiration.
The Argentine Chelsea Boss said: “I am so happy with him. He is a player that can play in different positions. He has quality, he understands the game, and he is such a clever player.”
Burnley to replace the Dutchman with Alvaro Fernandez
Chelsea will face Liverpool at home to kick off the 2023–24 season on Sunday. Hence Chelsea might try him out to test his real potential. On the other side Alvaro Fernandez, an emerging star for Manchester United, is apparently a target for Burnley. Manager Vincent Kompany appears to be speeding up his transfer business after already bringing in nine players this summer. He might replace the departing star Ian Maatsen by Alvaro Fernandez soon.
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