Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen has barely kicked a ball since returning to the club.
This season, Ian Maatsen, who spent the last campaign out on loan at Burnley, has failed to make a single start in the Premier League. However, it appears that he is still appreciated by some at Chelsea.
Journalist Paul Brown recently told GiveMeSport that he thinks Maatsen is still highly rated at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have had a lot of problems in the full-back areas this term, including injuries and suspensions, but Mauricio Pochettino continues to overlook the 21-year-old.
He is now being linked with a January move to London rivals West Ham United.
Ian Maatsen highly rated at ChelseaWhile Pochettino has not been too keen on Maatsen this season, Brown thinks the Dutch youngster still has fans at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, the journalist said: “Maatsen is a really good player. I can see this being a really good fit for West Ham. I’m not surprised they’re interested. I think he’s very underrated and a player that Chelsea have only considered selling because they see it as a good way to bring some money in basically.
“I think he’s very highly-rated inside the club and I think he would do a really good job for West Ham if he was to go there.”
Mauricio Pochettino prefers others over Ian Maatsen
Right now, it is clear to see that Maatsen is far from Pochettino’s thinking.
Chelsea were missing basically all of their full-backs for the 3-2 win against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend and Maatsen still did not get a proper chance.
The Netherlands U21 international has always been quite an attacking full-back and can play further forward, so Pochettino may not view him as a good candidate to start in defence.
However, with the Argentine having the likes of Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer at his disposal, he has not been able to give Maatsen game time there either.
Ultimately, whether Maatsen has admirers at the club or not, he looks likely to leave Chelsea soon, perhaps at the start of the new year.
He is a talented player, but there is just not a place for him in defence or attack at Stamford Bridge, and you do not see that changing.
