Chelsea loan Army: How Ian Maatsen has got on at Burnley

As an impactful defender in a dominant defense and a key contributor to the attack of Burnley, Maatsen has shown his ability to potentially be a part of the future of CFC on the left side of the defense. Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell stand in front of him, but if he is able to continue down the same path and production that has transpired this season in the top flight, Graham Potter or whoever is the manager of the Blues has no choice but to give him at least a shot in the first team.

Fans of the west London team have seen the positivity of bringing academy players into the first-team squad during cup matches, like Lewis Hall, and despite that, the club has been apprehensive to award one or two quality performances with consistent playing time. Whether it was Omar Hutchinson against Aston Villa in the friendly or Conor Gallagher providing that much-needed energy, academy players are more than capable of being in the plans of the future of this club.

Reece James is no doubt the future on the right-hand side, and despite the acquisition of two quality left-backs over the last few seasons, injuries have decreased the depth. Maatsen could need a loan in the Premier League before his involvement with the Chelsea first team, like Colwill, but this campaign under a talented manager and within a top side has been one filled with development and eagerness to contribute to the Blues in the near future.