Ian Maatsen has been the talk of the town or at least in relation to Chelsea’s pre season games against the likes of Newcastle United, Wrexham and Brighton Hove Albion.
The Cobham graduate has returned to the Blues after his 3rd loan stint at Vincent Kompany’s Burnley where he played the entirety of the 22/23 season.
The 21-year-old is officially listed as a left back on databases such as Transfermarkt and he played the entire 22/23 season in the same position.
The Dutchman was instrumental for Kompany as his side had a stellar campaign, bagging 101 points and gaining direct qualification for the Premier League.
He started in 38 out of his 39 appearances in the competition for Burnley, bagging a staggering 10 goals and assists, which is quite impressive for a fullback. Chelsea took note of his performances, and he was called back by the club.
Maatsen has had a cracking pre-season but finds himself in the role of a left midfielder or winger in Pochettino’s 4-2-3-1 system.
The player is familiar with the position, but was one where he hadn’t played in, in about a year. The Dutchman however, adapted straight away bagging 2 goals and an assist in the 3 games Chelsea played.
— Fantasy Football Community (@FFCommunity_) July 27, 2023
FPL Twitter were quick to notice the youngster’s performance and to many people’s surprises, Maatsen was not listed as a Chelsea player in the Fantasy game.
Many believe this is being done to switch up the players position in the game and hike up his price, as he could be a steal in the 4.5-5.5M range which other Chelsea youngsters and defenders such as Reece James, Lewis Hall, Colwill and Angelo.
FPL trying to resist changing Maatsen’s position and inflating his price by £2m pic.twitter.com/wPt5vGnGiL
Fans believe Maatsen could be a steal and a major cheat code since it is unlikely the player will be highly priced and would bring extra points every time he scores if he is listed as a defender as he has shown his pace and explosiveness in pre-season.
Another reason to add Maatsen in your FPL squad is that he is heavily backed by Pochettino. The Spaniard said this about the player in a post-game interview:
“I am so happy with him. He is a player who can play in different positions. His quality, his understanding of the game, he is a clever player. I am so happy with him so far.”
“So far he is in my plans. I am so pleased with him, I told you before, I am so pleased because he is a player whose attitude, commitment and understanding of the game, we can use in different positions. That is a good thing for the team and for a coach. It is good to have this type of player.”
-Mauricio Pochettino; source: Hayters TV
Hello FPL managers, keep an eye on Maatsen this season. A defender who plays in midfield. You all know what that means.
Maatsen could benefit from the winger crisis Chelsea had last season with big money signings Mudryk and Sterling having underwhelming campaigns. Fans are waiting for the Dutchman’s addition to the game desperately as he could prove to be a diamond in the rough for FPL managers.
