The success brought to Chelsea in recent years has mainly been orchestrated by members of the Cobham academy, in particular Mason Mount and Reece James.
Both players have been a consistent presence in Chelsea's squad since their inclusion from club legend Frank Lampard at the start of the 2019/20 season. Lampard followed Mount to Stamford Bridge after his play-off finish with Derby County the season before, whilst James returned from a loan spell at Wigan as the Latics' Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year.
The continuous advancement of young characters has followed throughout the years. Defender Andreas Christensen made over 160 appearances for the club before joining Barcelona in the summer, Ruben Loftus-Cheek remains at the club, Callum Hudson-Odoi is currently on loan at Bayer Leverkusen and Conor Gallagher has been touted to become a midfield regular.
READ MORE: Chelsea consider move for World Cup winning defender amid Reece James deputy search
Chelsea's track record of producing top tier players has been one of the shining features highlighted amid the continuing issues at the club. And whilst Todd Boehly is expected to implement his footprint onto the club in the January window, left-back Ian Maatsen continues to impress on loan.
Maatsen, 20, is currently at Championship leaders Burnley and has continued his development in fine form. The former PSV and Feyenoord academy player is enjoying his third season out on loan following successful spells with Charlton Athletic and Coventry City but has taken his game to another level this season.
The wing-back has scored three goals and contributed four assists in 21 league games this campaign and has helped Vincent Kompany's side rise to the top of the table. His numbers have already surpassed the heights hit in the past two years and left Chelsea supporters raving after his double at Swansea City.
Maatsen put the Clarets ahead with a beautiful free-kick past Steven Benda after 10 minutes before firing a thunderous strike into the roof of the net. At only 20, the Dutchman has sent his own message to Potter amid struggles with Marc Cucurella this season.
First choice left-back Ben Chilwell has not featured since the start of November and Cucurella's performances since his £62million move from Brighton have come under scrutiny. Alongside teenager Lewis Hall, Maatsen provides Chelsea with a decision to make for next season at left-back.
READ NEXT:
Declan Rice signs, Champions League failure, Graham Potter worry - Chelsea 2023 predictions
Enzo Fernandez deadline for Chelsea debut vs Man City if transfer is completed
Thomas Tuchel criticism proves Graham Potter Chelsea problem as Erling Haaland decision is clear
Chelsea transfer news: January deal 'confirmed' as ambitious £100m Rafael Leao swap eyed
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
