Chelsea to complete first January transfer with wonderkid Mauricio Pochettino loves set for move
The arrival of Alex Matos at Chelsea was understated. He was not a signing that broached seven figures who hailed from South America that dominated the headlines of the world’s media.
Instead Chelsea landed the 19-year-old as his contract with Norwich came to an end. In a summer that saw Andrey Santos join up with the first team squad, Angelo Gabriel signed and even Diego Moreira sign on a free before joining up with theh squad for pre-season, Matos was firmly under the radar.
While he did not make the trip to the United States, he embedded himself within Chelsea’s development squad. From the outside, many will have expected Matos to remain there for the duration of the season as he adjusted to a new environment. The ambition was always to progress more quickly for the youngster however, with the hope of impressing and achieving a loan move to continue to develop part of his mindset.
With a medical to complete before making the January move to Huddersfield on loan, it’s safe to say he was successful in that endeavour.
Matos’ progress may have even surprised himself however. It was not long after the first team squad returned to British shores Matos would be able to cement his impression in west London.
Having featured in the centre of midfield and quickly impressed in Premier League 2 under Mark Robinson, the first international break of 2023/24 saw the youngster train under Mauricio Pochettino. While injuries have impacted Chelsea’s squad throughout the season, Matos was able to stand tall in a competitive environment to make a first team squad for the first time against Bournemouth. Two weeks later he had played his first Premier League minute.
“Why is he involved? Because of his personality, his character. He is always so, so, so focused. Of course, he is a talent with potential, but he has impressed me with his focus on everything.
“There are massive talents in the academy — we have many young talented players who, with time and opportunities, can reach the level of Chelsea.”
With such comments, it’s little wonder that Matos is considered one of the team’s better trainers, and the teen has enjoyed a good relationship with the Blues boss. However, his involvment with the first team has seen a more disjointed relationship with the under-21 side.
Having been in the squad to face Sheffield United in December, Matos and Alfie Gilchrist then had to make the quick turnaround to face Liverpool the following day in Premier League 2. While there are clear benefits to development, Matos has only been able to make nine appearances in addition to his two first team outings.
Six months on loan does not guarantee more playing time, as Zak Sturge discovered at Peterborough United before being recalled on Tuesday. However, Matos has shown the ability to thrive in a competitive environment and is set to take the opportunity at Huddersfield with both hands.