During an interview with Soccernews.nl, the former Chelsea, Liverpool, PSV, and Barcelona star Boudewijn Zenden, commented on the future of current Chelsea youngster Ian Maatsen. While the youngster has struggled for permanent starts for Chelsea this season, Zenden remarked that Maatsen has the ability to ‘build a great career’ at the London based Club.
When asked about the 22 year olds development and where he saw Maasten’s best position to develop, Zenden explained that the youngster has been used in a number of positions to date and it is up to the player to choose which position he feels best to evolve his footballing skills. During his loan spell at Burnley, Maatsen was mainly used in the left-back position but given the license to use his creative skills as an attacking threat.
Having played 39 games for the Clarets, scoring 4 goals during their Championship winning season, Ian Maatsen was then given the opportunity to develop within the new look Chelsea side, under the supervision of Mauricio Pochettino. This season the Dutchman has appeared in 8 games, 6 as a substitute in the Premier League and 2 starts in the Carabao Cup, having netted twice in his two starts. Zenden stated that Ian Maasten has the ability to develop as either a left-back or a winger, due to his innate footballing skills and ability to adapt to the various formations played by both Chelsea and the Dutch National Football Team.
