The left wing-back conundrum continues. Chelsea fans are increasingly growing tired of the lack of options in that area and the situation is looking dire.
Whilst Ben Chilwell had reportedly returned to training, fans are not optimistic about his possible return in January. The Blues will assess whether he will need surgery at the end of the year which will not guarantee his imminent return.
The fans call for answers as soon as the January transfer window opens. The urge to recall Emerson Palmieri is not as strong as the urgency for Ian Maatsen.
I don’t think this could be the best route to take.
The possibility of stunting Ian Maatsen’s professional growth is in the air and I must say, I am not a fan. The 19-year-old is currently playing first-team football for Coventry City F.C. whilst on loan from Chelsea. Quite frankly, the teenager is killing it over in the north end of England. Coventry fans have sung praises about his attacking instinct and defensive presence whilst Chelsea fans can only admire from a far.
Coventry currently mimics Chelsea’s 3-4-3 system. It seems like a no-brainer for Chelsea to simply recall him and hope for the best. Marcos Alonso and Saul Niguez remain as the only options to fill the left wingback void however the fans are far from satisfied. Ben Chilwell has set the bar so high up that Maatsen may come into an atmosphere that applies the wrong type of pressure.
The risk of pulling a Cobham graduate prematurely from his loan move is more detrimental than beneficial. Regardless of Chelsea's dire situation the decision needs to be a smart and calculated one.
The pressure to do exceedingly well as a left wing-back for Chelsea is currently too high for a youngster to battle with. A mid-season transfer usually implies a cry for help. Most transfers that happen in January are used as a cause to fill a gap in a team instantly.
I'm not saying that we shouldn't find an alternative for Alonso and Saul. I am simply asking that we go into the window and find the right replacement. Ben Chilwell will eventually return to full fitness, and when he does he will need to compete for his spot once again. I'd rather see him battle with a completely new player than with one Cobham's very own.
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