Although it may not be the biggest surprise, U.S. Men’s National Team defender Matt Miazga could very soon be heading out on loan at Chelsea.
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Manager Antonio Conte addressed the importance of young players gaining match experience following an opening training session in Minneapolis on Tuesday. Chelsea will take on AC Milan in the International Champions Cup on Wednesday night.“I think in this moment it is good if he plays to improve, to go and get experience to improve,” Conte said. “You can improve only if you play. You play every game or a lot of games during the season. But he is a good guy and I am very happy about him.
“Miazga is a young player, he has a good technique and I think that he is working very well under the physical aspect, but the tactical aspect he can improve a lot and I think that he is improving with the work.”
After joining the Blues from MLS side New York Red Bulls in January, the 21-year-old centerback made just two appearances, neither of which Miazga put in convincing performances.
With a cluster of central defenders battling for playing time this season, including captain John Terry, Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanovic and Kurt Zouma, Miazga’s best is likely to go out on loan where he can see consistent minutes.
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Chelsea has held a close relationship with Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem over the years, sending many of its youth players out on loan to the Eredivisie club, however, keeping Miazga in England could be a more viable option in order to further prepare the young USMNT defender for things to come.