Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has stated that he is keen to take a look at Ian Maatsen during the pre-season tour this summer.
He told the Evening Standard that he believes an increased level of competition in the position will see an improved level of performance.
Maatsen is fresh off a very impressive loan spell with Burnley last season, where he was an important player for the side that confirmed a return to the top flight at the first time of asking.
It has been claimed that the Clarets were keen on bringing him in on a permanent deal, and this idea was not immediately thrown out by the Blues.
It has been claimed that a fee of around £20m was being asked for by Chelsea, however this has not been acted on as of yet.
Instead, the Dutchman found himself part of the travelling party that have taken flight to the United States to face a number of Premier League sides, as well as Wrexham and Borussia Dortmund.
Pochettino excited for Maatsen
He will certainly be facing competition for minutes though. Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella have both travelled with points to prove going into next season.
There is also Lewis Hall. While the club website listed him as a midfielder, Pochettino named him alongside Maatsen as a left-back option.
He said: “I want to see Lewis Hall and Ian Maatsen, Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell. We will see the increased competition can only improve performance.
Realistically, it is difficult to see the Blues keeping hold of four options who all play in the left-back role.
However, their lack of depth in midfield right now should allow Hall the opportunity to feature in the position he has played coming through the academy.
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