Chelsea's on loan Burnley left back Ian Maatsen has been named in the official EFL Championship team of the season.
Maatsen, who joined the Clarets on a season-long-loan deal last summer, has enjoyed a superb campaign at Turf Moor, helping them secure an immediate return to the Premier League. The 21-year-old has made 35 Championship appearances so far this season, helping contribute to the best defensive record in the division.
Maatsen has also chipped in superbly at the other end of the pitch, too, netting four goals and providing six assists. He has played just 24 minutes of senior football for parent club Chelsea but has more than staked a claim for a first team role at Stamford Bridge next term.
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The Netherlands U21 international will be looking to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding the under fire Marc Cucurella, who cost £60 million to bring to the club from Brighton last summer. Cucurella has very much struggled to pay back that extraordinary fee, and has been booed on occasions by sections of the Chelsea fanbase.
Even with that said, though, Maatsen will still face a big fight on his hands to become a first team player in west London, with Ben Chilwell still very much first choice, and Lewis Hall also having made his breakthrough this season. Reports have emerged in recent days that Maatsen could be someone Chelsea look to move on this summer as they attempt to balance the £600+ million spending spree over the last 12 months.
But with confirmation of his place in the Championship TOTS, there is not much else he could've done to stake a claim for a place in the club's first team.
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