Pochetino the new Chelsea boss has spoken publicly praising Ian Maasten being in his plan for the upcoming season after seeing Maatsen put in yet another strong effort in our 1-1 Atlanta draw with Newcastle United, Pochettino exclaimed, "I am so happy with him." He is a player who can fill a variety of roles. He is such a smart player, has quality, and understands the game.
Chelsea website
Maatsen has clearly advanced since making his senior debut for the Blues in a 7-1 League Cup thrashing of Grimsby in 2019, and both the player and the coaching staff have undoubtedly been considering what the next step in the 21-year-old's career will be for the upcoming season. Maatsen has previously been on loans with Coventry City and Charlton Athletic. It is safe to say that the Argentinian is pleased with what he has seen because he has started the young Dutchman in each of our three games in America thus far. He has also taken advantage of the player's versatility by using him as a winger on the left and right flanks rather than the left-back position he excelled in at Burnley.
Chelsea website
It is unclear if that will be at Chelsea or somewhere else for another year of loaned development, but in Pochettino's eyes, it appears the 21-year-old's performances are beginning to persuade the head coach there might be a place for him in our 2023/24 group. He is currently part of my plan, yeah, Pochettino said. As I've mentioned, I'm really happy with him because of his attitude, commitment, and grasp of the game.
Chelsea website
He is a player that has the capacity to play three or four different positions on the pitch when called upon and he doesn't seem to disappoint. Having this kind of player is usually a plus to any squad which so far has qualifies him to be in my plan for the upcoming season. Maatsen has performed admirably thus far, and he still has plenty of time to continue winning over his manager in our two remaining games on the US trip, against Fulham and Borussia Dortmund.
Chelsea website
He has returned from a highly successful loan in the Championship with Burnley, where he was an essential player in their return to the Premier League as second-tier champions and was selected to the Championship Team of the Year, and has joined the Chelsea squad for our preseason tour of the United States. Mauricio Pochettino was one person who undoubtedly paid attention to Maatsen's remarkable performance over the last year, but now that they are teammates at Chelsea, our new head coach has had the chance to observe him up close during both practices and games.
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