Mauricio Pochettino is a really big fan of 21-year-old Chelsea starlet – journalist

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Journalist Bobby Vincent has shared that he has been told that Mauricio Pochettino is a really big fan of Chelsea youngster Ian Maatsen as the Blues prepare to let one left-back go in this window.

Vincent was speaking in a Football London Q&A about the future of the Dutchman as well as Marc Cucurella as Lewis Hall seemingly edges closer to leaving the club.

Ian Maatsen was one player Chelsea fans may have expected to see leave at the start of this summer. He played an important role in helping Burnley secure promotion last season. So he may have been someone the club expected to attract significant offers for.

Pochettino has become a big fan of Maatsen

In fact, The Athletic reported at one stage that West Ham had registered an interest in the 21-year-old. Chelsea meanwhile, were prepared to let him move on for around £20 million.

But of course, that could all change now that Newcastle are in talks to sign Lewis Hall. The Daily Mail reported overnight that the 18-year-old could leave on loan with an obligation to buy for around £28 million next summer.

That would hint that Maatsen is more likely to stay. And it seems that he has made a big impression on Mauricio Pochettino, as Vincent was asked about the youngster’s future with Hall on the way out.

“Ian Maatsen is very much of interest to West Ham United, and other Premier League clubs. Chelsea were, at least, open to selling him should they get the right offer, but selling Lewis Hall could change that,” he said, as reported by Football London. 

“Especially given he is such a utility player and I’m told Mauricio Pochettino is a big fan of his. As for Marc Cucurella, I don’t see Chelsea getting an offer they deem appropriate for his services, not this summer anyway. But if they were to get that, then they would jump on the opportunity of selling the Spaniard.”

It did seem potentially telling that Pochettino gave Maatsen a few minutes towards the end of the opening day draw with Liverpool.

At the time, the game was there to be won. So it was hardly a token gesture. Meanwhile, Cucurella was left as an unused substitute.

Pochettino has gained a reputation for really helping young players kick on. So if he has taken a liking to Maatsen, that could be a huge boost to the starlet’s career.