Pochettino ‘really impressed’ with Chelsea teenager around first team

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Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has heaped praise on teenager Alex Matos having shown real potential in the Blues ranks.

Chelsea are in Carabao Cup action tonight as they host Newcastle United in the quarter-finals of the competition.

The Blues have endured a tricky Premier League campaign so far, but cup success would bring some relief at Stamford Bridge.

Boss Mauricio Pochettino will be torn on whether to mix up his side tonight or go full-strength and really push for the win.

All eyes will be on Christopher Nkunku with Chelsea supporters keen to see the summer signing in action, but Pochettino may also give a chance to Alex Matos…

Mauricio Pochettino hails Chelsea teenager Alex Matos

Chelsea pounced to sign Matos over the summer, luring him away from Norwich City.

Previously in the Luton Town ranks, Matos hadn’t featured for Norwich’s first team but already has two senior appearances for Chelsea.

The 19-year-old has been playing in midfield for Chelsea’s Under-21’s and is now making an impression on Pochettino too.

Speaking to The Independent, Pochettino has admitted being ‘really impressed’ with Matos in terms of his focus and his potential.

Pochettino thinks Matos is ‘so smart’ and ‘always smiling’, even after kicking opponents.

Pochettino noted that Matos is ‘really competitive’ and ‘really strong’, doing everything he can to challenge the senior players at Chelsea.

“His personality, his character is always so focused,” said Pochettino. “Of course he’s talented with potential. He’s really impressed me with his focus in everything. He’s so smart, watching always everything, always smiling.”

“To compete with the first-team players is tough. But he’s really competitive, he’s really strong. He’ll kick you and smile at you. It’s nice to have this type of profile. I’m happy with him. There’s some massive talent in the academy in all the different teams,” he added.

Matos curiously isn’t involved in the England setup at youth level.

Formerly in the Under-15’s, Matos hasn’t picked up a cap at any further youth level despite being highly regarded.

Pochettino’s praise and his emergence around the Chelsea first team may just lead to England Under-19 call-ups for Matos though with his potential seemingly shining through at Cobham.

Matos will be hoping to feature against Newcastle tonight, either from the start or as a substitute, and show his quality as Chelsea push for the semi-finals.