Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen has explained that he’s definitely capable of starting as a winger in Mauricio Pochettino’s line-up.
In fairness, it’s hard to argue with him after his 45-minute performance overnight against Wrexham.
Ian Maatsen, who’s regarded as a quality left-back, is with Chelsea’s first-team group for this summer’s pre-season. This comes off the back of a superb season-long loan last year at Burnley, who romped to the Championship title and promotion.
Many Blues supporters may been excited to see if the 21-year-old can mount a real challenge for the starting left-back spot.
However, Mauricio Pochettino decided to spring a surprise by playing Maatsen as a left-winger when Chelsea beat Wrexham 5-0 in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Maatsen put down a serious marker in the win against Wrexham by scoring the opening two goals, both were decent low finishes with his favoured left foot.
So, could this become a more permanent thing moving forward?
It’s interesting to hear young Dutchman admit he’s happy playing further up the pitch, which is fair enough when you consider he’s an adventurous full-back.
“It is a position I can play. I can adapt really quick. I also come in those positions when I play at left-back so for me it isn’t so difficult,” Maatsen said, as quoted by The Evening Standard.
The Athletic has claimed this month that Chelsea have received approaches from Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Wolfsburg and Benfica for Maatsen. Burnley are considered in pole position to re-sign the £20million defender, though.