Mauricio Pochettino can solve triple Chelsea transfer worry with $8.7m wildcard

Chelsea news: Mauricio Pochettino has turned to a fresh face in his Blues attack with great success and it could save him from looking at more transfers this summer

120 senior matches. Seven positions. Signed as a left-back, featured almost everywhere on the pitch outside of goalkeeper and striker. Contributor to three out of four goals when on the pitch in pre-season and nearly one third overall while in America, Chelsea have a gem.

"Yes I am so happy with him. He is a player that can play in different positions." Mauricio Pochettino has it spot on. "His quality, his understanding of the game, he is a clever player. I am so happy with him so far."

The 21-year-old has consistently been one of the club's best performing youngsters away from Stamford Bridge. In a first senior season at Charlton, 'little Ian' as he was affectionately labelled by then manager Lee Bowyer, used Maatsen as a left-back, left-winger and left wing-back.

His slight stature made him a target in League One for big forwards to dominate but when it came to operating as a threat from defence, few have been as progressive or effective as Maatsen. Every deal has taken him up a step in the ladder, moving from the third division to the second with Coventry 12 months later.

Full-backs playing as situational midfielders is all the rage and Pochettino has found a role, albeit different yet again, for Maatsen in Chelsea's pre-season tour. Like many in his position having spent time on loan there is a tendency to undervalue his output or quality. After a stellar year with Burnley, including four goals and six assists for Vincent Kompany's dominant side, it would be easy to put him down as still needing a Premier League loan before being considered ready.

Pochettino