Ian Maatsen joined Borussia Dortmund on loan from Chelsea earlier this month and has made an instant impact at the German club.
Ian Maatsen started in Dortmund’s 4-0 win against FC Koln and managed to provide an assist.
The left-back took to Instagram after the game to share his delight, and Chelsea captain Reece James responded to his celebratory post with the message “happy for you bro”.
Maatsen being named In Dortmund’s first XI for that match means the Dutchman has already made more league starts there than he did at Chelsea this season.
If Maatsen can put in more performances like his recent one before the end of the campaign, someone is likely to buy him, with it being reported that the Chelsea loanee has a £35m release clause.
Mauricio Pochettino should have given Ian Maatsen more opportunities
It is amazing that Maatsen only made one league start at Chelsea this season, especially considering how much injuries they have had in the full-back positions.
The Blues have really had problems there, with Marc Cucurella currently sidelined. Ben Chilwell has struggled to remain fit as well, while central defender Levi Colwill has been Pochettino’s first-choice for the position.
The above shows why Chelsea may need to dip into the transfer market now or in the summer to sign a new left-back.
However, from what Maatsen has shown at Dortmund so far, the Blues may be better off just keeping him.
Having handed him a release clause, though, it looks like Maatsen has kicked a ball at Stamford Bridge for the last time. And with Pochettino preferring a centre-back over the Netherlands U21 international, it is quite clear that the Argentine does not fancy him.
Everything, then, is pointing towards the club signing a new left-back in this transfer window or the next one.
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