According to a report from Football.London, Ian Maatsen’s future at Chelsea remains uncertain this season, with speculation surrounding the left-back’s potential departure from Stamford Bridge before the January transfer window. Last season, Maatsen showcased his talent during a loan spell at Burnley in the Championship, drawing interest from Vincent Kompany to bring him back to Turf Moor. However, despite offers, Maatsen expressed his determination to succeed at the West London club.
However, recent reports suggest that the Blues might be open to parting ways with Maatsen in January. While there’s mounting interest in a loan arrangement, Chelsea seems inclined towards a permanent deal. Rumors have linked Manchester City and West Ham with potential interest in the player. With Chelsea aiming to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, there’s an expectation that they’ll need to generate funds, potentially leading to Maatsen’s sale next month.
Maatsen’s Struggles At Stamford Bridge This Season
Maatsen has seen limited game time under the tutelage Mauricio Pochettino, featuring in just 12 matches, with only two starting appearances in the Carabao Cup. The left-back position has been primarily filled by Marc Cucurella and Axel Disasi, even in light of Ben Chilwell’s injury.
Maatsen’s season at Stamford Bridge has been challenging, struggling to secure a consistent starting position under Mauricio Pochettino. His involvement has been primarily off the bench, reflected in his statistics: averaging 0.3 tackles, 0.3 interceptions, 0.4 clearances, 0.3 shots, and 0.2 key passes per game in the Premier League. Additionally, his passing accuracy stands at 73.2% in England’s top flight, indicating some room for improvement in ball distribution (stats sourced from whoscored).
Should Pochettino Sanction His Exit From Chelsea?
Maatsen excels in tackling and is adept at making key interceptions when performing at his best on the field. He’s reliable in clearing the danger and showcases strong dribbling skills. Notably, he exhibits power in long-range shots and has the ability to deliver enticing crosses into the opponent’s penalty area.
Despite his evident talent and promise, the limited playing time has had a detrimental effect on Maatsen’s confidence. Hence, he might welcome a move to a club where he might find guaranteed playtime to realise his full potential.
Mauricio Pochettino has evidently favored Cucurella and Axel Disasi for that role. With sufficient depth in the left-back position, it’s possible he won’t advocate for keeping Maatsen. Instead, creating space could help gather funds for recruiting reinforcements, a prudent move considering the current situation faced by the West London club.
