Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that highly-rated youngster Ian Maatsen will remain at Chelsea for the 2023/24 season.
Maatsen spent last season on loan at Championship winners Burnley, making 39 league appearances for the Turf Moor club, and was widely expected to head out on loan once again for the upcoming campaign.
Having impressed new Blues boss Pochettino in pre-season however, the Dutch under-21 international is now set to stay at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking to the club's official website about the decision to keep hold of Maatsen, Pochettino said: "I am so happy with him. He is a player that can play in different positions. He has quality, he understands the game, and he is such a clever player.
"So far, he is in my plan, yes. I am so pleased with him, as I’ve said, because of his attitude, commitment and his understanding of the game."
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Along with Maatsen, fellow starlet Levi Colwill is also set to stay at Chelsea, with the player signing a new contract at the club.
The defender has officially put pen to paper on a new six-year deal at Stamford Bridge, dispelling rumours that he could be on his way to Liverpool this summer.
"It's always been an easy decision," Colwill said. "As I've grown up, all I've known is Chelsea. I've spoken with the manager and he's given me reassurance, that trust I needed. He's spoken with me not just as a player but a person. It's made a big difference."
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This article was originally published on 90min as Mauricio Pochettino confirms stance on Ian Maatsen's Chelsea future.