“I’ll have to make a difficult decision” – 23-year-old Chelsea star opens up on lack of playing time at the club

Ian Maatsen confirms he is keeping his options open at Chelsea

Ian Maatsen revealed he is keeping his options open despite receiving less game time at Chelsea. The left-back has appeared in just seven Premier League matches.

The 23-year-old returned to Chelsea after a loan spell at Burnley last season. The Blues were open to selling the left-back last summer, but Maatsen rejected the move.

The Dutch international has yet to make a start for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, and if he continues to get fewer minutes on the pitch, a move away could be possible for the player.

Maatsen has mostly operated on wings, despite his natural position being left-back. Currently, Marc Cucurella has been used in the left-back area, while Ben Chilwell remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

The 23-year-old has now opened up about his future at Chelsea and is keeping his options open, as he confirmed to AD and further said:

“I still think it’s possible to play more at Chelsea. Accepting [you won’t play] is difficult; as a young boy, you always want more. I get confidence from the manager’s words and am ready when the opportunity comes. Meanwhile, I have to keep all options open. Maybe I’ll have to make a difficult decision later on, but then Chelsea will also let me know.”

Last summer, Chelsea offered to sell the fullback, but he turned down the offer. The Blues wanted to sign him to a long-term contract, but the player was hesitant, so the club activated a clause and extended his contract by one year.

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He may have to make a decision about his future because his playing time hasn’t been sufficient. Considering that Mauricio Pochettino has mostly used Cucurella and Levi Colwill as left-backs, Chelsea may be willing to let him go. Cucurella has performed admirably at left-back, so it’s unclear if Maatsen will get any playing time.