Ian Maatsen is for sure a talented player, most Chelsea fans would tell you that and I am sure Mauricio Pochettino would agree. However, despite his talent and also versatility, he has featured very scarcely in the Premier League in Chelsea Blue so far.
Versatility could in some ways be his downfall, where is his best position? Well, former Chelsea player Boudewijn Zenden thinks it’s more down to the player to establish his position now, when asked about his best position, he told Soccernews: “That’s a very good question, it depends a bit on his own preference, he has played most as a left back with a lot of threat going forward, but is also used as a winger. The injuries give him opportunities to show himself, against Fulham he came on and shot the post, these are the moments you distinguish yourself”
Whilst he is right on some parts, Maatsen can only show himself when he gets fair minutes, it is one thing performing as a young player in a new team when you have lots of chances, but performing as a young player and being expected to deliver on small sample sizes is a whole other thing.
I am a personal fan of Maatsen, I would have like to seen him be trusted in what I believe to be his natural position, left back.
However, you simply cannot ignore how good he is going forward, he likes attacking, he is quick, good at dribbling, and has a decent shot and eye for pass.
With all this being taken into account and the fact that he was performing in pre season on the right hand side and also as a number ten, no wonder Mauricio Pochettino himself doesn’t know where to play him regularly.
The hope is that he can be a swiss army knife of sorts, and most importantly, sign a new contract before those links of him being sold return.