'Need to give time': Mauricio Pochettino suggests 21-year-old Chelsea player has struggled so far this season
There’s been a suggestion that Chelsea youngster Ian Maatsen has struggled so far this season.
That has come directly from Blues head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Ian Maatsen, who’s only 21, earned his spot in Chelsea’s first-team squad this campaign after an excellent pre-season in the summer.
The Dutch left-footer was brilliant on loan at Burnley last year, winning Championship promotion as the outstanding left-back in the division.
He’s playing further up the pitch under Pochettino’s management at Stamford Bridge. Unfortunately, most of his minutes this season are late cameos off the bench.
Mauricio Pochettino verdict
Chelsea’s manager has now suggested that Maatsen has found it difficult in the opening half of the season.
He maintains big belief in the 21-year-old’s ability, but has explained the tough adaption to the Blues first team.
When discussing Maatsen in today’s press conference, Pochettino said via Football.London: “Always he is involved. He was involved in the last game. Young players sometimes they can impress you in pre-season and always you need to give time after to calm and relax. Sometimes they struggle during the season.
“He is a player that is in our squad and is a great kid and has the quality to play in different position. It’s about giving time to him. He came from Burnley the season before in the second division, and of course, the step to Chelsea, with respect, is not the same. The competition is different. He is a player that is always helping the team.”
Ian Maatsen has struggled
We’re a little disappointed by what’s happened with Maatsen so far this season.
The youngster’s simply not had enough chances on the pitch to show his true quality, but we’ve got to respect what Pochettino sees every single day on the training ground.
Football.London has just reported that Chelsea have decided that they’ll look to sell Maatsen in next month’s January window.
We’d suggest the speedster getting a few more opportunities during this festive run before a final decision is made on his future.
from Breaking Chelsea News and Updates - The Chelsea Chronicle https://ift.tt/THcSFRn
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