Mauricio Pochettino says he fully trusts 21-year-old Chelsea player after rumours he could leave

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Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen made his first Premier League start of the season yesterday against Crystal Palace.

Ian Maatsen, who actually took up an attacking position on the right, has been heavily linked with a move away from Chelsea.

However, Mauricio Pochettino told the club’s official app that he still trusts the 21-year-old.

It is going to be difficult for Maatsen to retain his spot in the Argentine’s starting XI, though. Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling will be back for the game against Luton Town on Saturday, while Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke both managed to deliver in the pair’s absence.

Mudryk scored Chelsea‘s opener last night, coming in for praise from Lee Dixon, while Madueke won the game for the Blues from the spot.

Mauricio Pochettino trusts Ian Maatsen

Despite overlooking him this season, Pochettino says he still trusts Maatsen.

Speaking about his inclusion in his side for yesterday’s match, the 51-year-old said: “We were using him in pre-season in this position. He can give us a different option. He can provide a good balance. He is a player we trust.”

Ian Maatsen still likely to leave Chelsea

Even if Maatsen is a player who Pochettino trusts, you would still expect him to leave Stamford Bridge next month or at the end of the season.

Again, the Dutchman is not going to be a regular starter in the Blues’ attack. They have too many quality options there.

And it is a similar story at left-back, his natural position. Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella can all occupy that role.

Chilwell and Cucurella are both injured and Pochettino has still not started Maatsen there. It really shows how minimal the Chelsea youngster’s role is despite having the trust of his manager and why he probably needs to leave west London soon.