Chelsea youngster Ian Maatsen has claimed that he is now ready to make his first start in the league for the club.
He told the Evening Standard that when the opportunity arises he is more than ready to contribute and help his teammates.
Maatsen has been a player of particular interest since Mauricio Pochettino took over as club manager.
He was one of the most impressive players of the unbeaten pre-season tour, and impressed the Argentine along the way.
However, he is yet to start a league game this season, after reports that there were big efforts to sell him on deadline day.
The Dutchman held firm, but his absence has been a questionable one up to now.
The traditional left-back has been anything but that for Pochettino so far. He started in a right-attacking role against Brighton on Wednesday.
Maatsen ready to start
However, an injury to Ben Chiwell could now open the door to a left-back role.
He has now claimed he is ready to make an impact from the start in the Premier League.
He said: “Yes, of course. We are a team and when I get my opportunity I am always ready to help my teammates and that’s all I can do. It is good to have pressure. We need to stay calm and it will come in time.
“We are ready, we will fight for each other and that is what we all need in this sport. We are a good team.
“We just need to believe in ourselves and we will perform well by leaving it all on the pitch. We focus again on the Premier League and need to play like we did against Brighton on Wednesday.”
With Marc Cucurella also impressing against his former side, there may be some unexpected heated battles for the role in the short-term.
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