Mauricio Pochettino must build his attack around 21-year-old for tomorrow’s game

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One of the most interesting players of the Mauricio Pochettino era at Chelsea has so far been Ian Maatsen.

After spending last season on loan in the Championship, it was expected by many that he would be sold in order to bring in some much appreciated profit on the books.

However, after pre-season began it became clear that the new manager had taken a liking to him and was willing to use him in every game.

What was most interesting though was that he was not being used in a defensive role like he had for the majority of his career.

Instead, he was playing in any role across the attacking line, and having a great impact on the side in an unbeaten tour of the United States.

Fast forward to this season though, and the Dutchman’s only starts for the club have been in cup competitions.

Maatsen should start tomorrow

Tomorrow sees the Blues return to the EFL Cup with the welcoming of Blackburn Rovers to Stamford Bridge. No Manchester City provides a great opportunity for another team to win some silverware this season.

Pochettino and Chelsea must surely be looking at this, and although team selection will be big, rotation will be equally as important.

For this reason, there is no more perfect time for Maatsen to start and show again exactly what he promised he would during pre-season.

This could see him a bit more positive about signing a new deal, which there are so far no indications that he will do.

For that reason, it has been reported that he could be on the move in January, with the club not wanting him to leave for free when his contract comes to an end in 18 months’ time.