Ian Maatsen will return to Chelsea this summer after an excellent season with Burnley, where he won the Championship. On the London team's website, Maatsen looks back on the 2022/2023 season. 'I couldn't have dreamed of more. Hopefully, the upcoming season has the same in store for me.'
Maatsen played 42 official matches for Burnley, contributing with four goals and six assists. The Dutch left-back even made it to the Championship Team of the Season.
"It was a special season at Burnley. When I first arrived, I immediately felt at home. That had a lot to do with the trust I received from Vincent Kompany. Thanks to him, I was able to have a consistent year. He told me to showcase my qualities at any given moment, even in the top matches where we struggled as a team. When I did that, my confidence grew," Maatsen shared.
He takes the confidence and lessons learned back to London. "I have grown as a player and as a person. I now know that I have to keep working hard and dreaming even when things don't go as planned. I can learn a lot from my coaches and the people around me. I strive to be the best version of myself every day."
Regarding his return to Burnley, it remains uncertain whether Maatsen will compete for a place in Chelsea's first team during preseason. The 21-year-old left-back has only one year left on his contract, and Burnley is eager to sign him permanently. However, local media reports suggest that Chelsea is holding out for a high transfer fee for Maatsen.
Whether Maatsen returns to Burnley or not, he has embraced the newly promoted Premier League club. "Here, I won my first senior trophy. As a young boy, you dream of something like that. The stadium was packed in the championship-winning match, and the fans were chanting our names. I will never forget that."
