Chelsea will at least have some representation in the Champions League semi-finals this year.
While the Blues are not present in the competition this year, or likely next either, Ian Maatsen has made his way to the final four on loan from the club as part of the Borussia Dortmund side.
The Dutchman found the net for the first time in the competition too, giving his side the lead in the tie at the time.
Borussia Dortmund make Champions League semi-finals
While it wasn’t all as plain sailing as the first half suggested it was going to be, they made their way through and set up a semi-final clash with PSG after facing them in the group stages.
Despite currently only being on loan, there are reportedly no plans for the Blues to keep hold of him after he struggled to get minutes in the first half of the season.
However, Chelsea fans were quick to note just how impressive his performance was, and how the club would really miss him if he is sold permanently.
Chelsea fans impressed by Ian Maatsen
One Twitter user said: “Ian Maatsen wasn’t given a chance by Chelsea this season and now he is scoring CL quarter final goals. Fair play to him, talented player.”
Another added: “You might have your reasons for not wanting Maatsen, sure, but we instead kept Marc Cucurella, who is: – Not much taller – Slower – Worse technically – Worse defensively – Worse in either box This is what bad signings can do. For every bad signing, we lose two good players.”
A third stated: “Chelsea are going to sell Ian Maatsen to Borussia Dortmund for £35m when we’re crying out for a player like him…”
A fourth said: “The most Chelsea thing would be to sell Maatsen for £30m and spend £80m to get a player like him.”
Finally, a fifth said: “Maatsen another example of how a “pure profit” strategy actually ends up costing you more in long-term. Chelsea had backup and succession to Chilwell from academy but letting him and Hall leave, its likely going to cost them money to buy new LB externally.”
There are reports that the Blues are considering signing a new left-back at the end of the season, with injuries impacting that role so far this season.
However, questions will always be asked of manager Mauricio Pochettino as for why Maatsen was not giving an opportunity to impress at Stamford Bridge.