Chelsea had a massive squad overhaul this summer that saw the introduction of Leicester left-back, Ben Chilwell. It was a necessary signing for Frank Lampard as he had a severe headache with that left-back position throughout the previous season. So, naturally, it was a key position for the Chelsea coach over the transfer window as he was not satisfied with the options at his disposal.
Lampard wanted to have an upgrade on both players- Emerson Palmieri and Marcos Alonso so Chilwell was his prime target to fill in that position perfectly. The purchase of Chilwell eventually happened and thus it implied the competition of Alonso and Emerson for the backup position.
However, both these players aren’t the long term options as the coach has already made it clear. Chelsea will likely expect them to take an exit from the club either in January or next summer.
It’s highly obvious that the coach and the club would want to spend big money on a back-up, and therefore are already developing a back-up for the left-back position in place of Chilwell looking at the future.
It is 18 years old, Ian Maatsen who is the future of Chelsea while Alonso and Emerson are not expected to be part of the club. There were offers for Emerson from the Italian clubs as well but no agreement was met.
The teenager is embarking on his first senior loan this current 2020-21 season after he signed for Charlton Athletic on Tuesday.
Maatsen already has the experience of featuring for the Chelsea senior team in his bag. He featured in Chelsea’s starting XI in the 7-1 victory in the Carabao Cup last season.
The Netherlands international fullback has also practised quite frequently with the first-team squad over the previous term, but this is the first time he is sent away to gain some overseas experience
“I’m buzzing to get started. I will learn from the boys, I think I will do well here. I will work hard and try to show my best,” Maatsen said.
Maatsen has just started to develop and his natural attacking instincts are very impressive. Moreover, he has developed his defensive side as well over the few years.
He is a very versatile youngster who is mainly recognized for his tremendous speed. He can play in various positions but majorly he takes the left-back position and likes to fly forward into attack. He is one of the few in the Chelsea academy who can deliver good and dangerous crosses from the wings. He reminds more of the young Gareth Bale who basically started as a fullback in his early days and gradually changed into a winger. Maatsen has the speed just like Bale too.
The left-footed Dutchman’s loan spell at this tender age is necessary so that he matures in his career. He has some great inspiration from the players in the first team like Mason Mount, Hudson-Odoi, etc whom he can definitely follow..
Maatsen isn’t the first Blue to land on Charlton as previously Jay Da Silva was a loanee here too. The 22-year-old joined Bristol City from Charlton permanently after making a name in Charlton so naturally, the Charlton fans are quite excited to see another young prospect in their team.
The club hierarchy believed that he would find himself integrated with the seniors last season. But as time went on, Chelsea couldn’t offload their two full-backs, Alonso and Emerson. The failed attempt to find a proper suitor to replace them made them send Maatsen to some other club.
