MAATSEN’S HAPPY TO SHOW BLUES WHAT THEY’RE MISSING
IAN MAATSEN admits he was surprised not to be given more of a chance by Chelsea after putting himself in the shop window with a brilliant display on loan for Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
The 22-year-old was one of Burnley’s standout performers on loan last year and was picked in the Championship team of the season.
After impressing in pre-season, Maatsen was tipped to challenge for a regular role at Chelsea but the leftback started just three games in all competitions before joining Dortmund on loan in January.
The Dutchman has thrived in the Bundesliga and capped another impressive performance with a goal in Dortmund’s 4-2 win over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, a 5-4 aggregate victory booking their place in the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Chelsea now have a decision to make over Maatsen’s long-term future at Stamford Bridge and the defender is adamant he could have made an impact if given more of a chance by Mauricio Pochettino. ‘I was surprised (not to get more chances),’ he told CBS Sports.
‘I think I always believed (I could) play for Chelsea as well but unfortunately for some reasons it didn’t work out how it should have.
‘Now I’m here I’m very grateful for the opportunity. I can say I’m very proud of myself.
‘I kept believing in myself and came here to experience playing at the highest level, playing my game. Today I think I showed a very good performance. I’m very happy.’
Dortmund do not have an option to buy Maatsen in the summer but the player has a £35million release clause in his Chelsea contract.