Mauricio Pochettino handed Chelsea instruction that would allow youngster to ‘thrive’

There’s not been many times Mauricio Pochettino has rotated his Chelsea squad during the first few months of his reign. Even through the struggle of the opening weeks, the Blues are now starting to see their hard work pay off.

It’s been three straight wins for the Argentinian now, but they’ll be facing their toughest task yet when they welcome London rivals Arsenal to Stamford Bridge this weekend. The Gunners are undefeated domestically, with manager Mikel Arteta hoping to overtake Tottenham at the top of the table and deliver a blow to two local rivals at once.

One player we might not see for that clash though is Ian Maatsen. The youngster has been regularly limited to cameo appearances for the Blues this season save for two starts in their Carabao Cup clashes against AFC Wimbledon and Brighton.

In the Premier League though, it’s been 89 minutes across six substitutions, leaving many to wonder why he’s not been handed more chances. It was Maatsen after all who appeared the standout star from the club’s pre-season tour of the U.S, with his manager admitting how impressed with him he was.

“Yes I am so happy with him. He is a player that can play in different positions,” Pochettino admitted earlier this year. “His quality, his understanding of the game, he is a clever player. I am so happy with him so far.

“So far he is in my plans. I am so pleased with him, I told you before, I am so pleased because he is a player whose attitude, commitment and understanding of the game, we can use in different positions. That is a good thing for the team and for a coach. It is good to have this type of player.”

It wasn’t only the preseason in which Maatsen could show his skills either – the youngster was also part of Vincent Kompany’s Burnley side that ran through the Championship last season. With four goals and six assists, the 21-year-old was so impressive that he was named in the Championship Team of the Season.

It could also be a perfect time to introduce Maatsen back into the fold. His variety would give the Blues manager a lot of different options for where to play him, given his expertise at both full-back and winger. With the likes of Ben Chilwell out, as well as numerous centre-backs that still don’t appear to be fully fit, Levi Colwill’s spell at left-back could come to a quick end as Maatsen steps in.

Now, former Chelsea star and Maatsen’s compatriot Boudewijn ‘Bolo’ Zenden has told Pochettino that if he wants the best out of Maatsen, it’s possible to copy what the Netherlands national team have done with him which would allow him to ‘thrive’ at Stamford Bridge.

“He has mostly played as a left-back with a lot of forward threat but is also used as a winger,” he told Dutch outlet Soccernews. “Injuries have given him opportunities to showcase his skills.

“He came on as a substitute against Fulham and hit the post. Those are moments to distinguish yourself. He’s also immediately a part of the Dutch national team.

“As a left-back or winger, he can express himself well in a system with five defenders, so the Dutch national team’s tactics suit him well. At Chelsea, he could also thrive in this way and build a successful career.”