Pochettino believes Chelsea are 'building something'
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino will hope to cast his eye over some of the club’s fringe stars during the international break. Many young players have already made their debuts under the Argentine, and Pochettino might be plotting to give more opportunities as his side’s form improves.
Express Sport looks at who could be in line for more minutes at Chelsea.
Deivid Washington
Brazilian striker Washington was signed from Santos in the summer. He has featured in several Premier League matchday squads but is yet to make his senior debut for Pochettino’s side.
The 18-year-old scored in his only game for Chelsea’s U21s and will hope for more opportunities in a Blues shirt after the international break. With Chelsea’s strikers struggling in front of goal, Pochettino may turn to the young forward.
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Ian Maatsen
Maatsen has waited patiently for a chance at Chelsea, enjoying successful loan spells at Coventry and Burnley. Usually a left-back, the Dutchman has been used in a more advanced position under Pochettino this season.
The 21-year-old has often played as an attacking midfielder in his six Premier League appearances under the Chelsea boss. He struck the post in the 2-0 win over Fulham and might return from his first senior Holland call-up expecting more minutes.
Cole Palmer
Palmer has already made his mark at Chelsea. He impressed in the victory at Fulham and followed up that display by scoring his first goal for the club in the 4-1 thrashing of Burnley last weekend.
The former Manchester City starlet will hope to make the right-wing position his own, with several other stars desperate for an opportunity. Palmer will need to maintain his consistent performances and might use the international break to show Pochettino that he deserves more chances.
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Lesley Ugochukwu
A summer signing from Rennes, Ugochukwu was part of the midfield rejuvenation at Stamford Bridge. Waiting patiently for chances amid the more high-profile arrivals of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo this year, the 19-year-old has done well in his fleeting appearances.
The return of Romeo Lavia after the international break could push the France U21 starlet further down the pecking order. Ugochukwu will hope he has sufficiently impressed Pochettino to make a claim for more game time.
Alex Matos
Chelsea prised Alex Matos from Norwich in the summer, with the versatile star making his Premier League debut in the Fulham victory. Matos can play in central midfield and on the wing, and has clearly already caught the eye of Pochettino.
The 18-year-old, who played for England as a schoolboy, will seemingly feature more prominently for Chelsea’s U21s this season. But a positive international break could see him continue to train and play with the first team.
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