Looking at the datasheet for the NE602 (OK SA602 on this sheet):
https://www.electro-tech-online.com/custompdfs/2013/02/SA602A.pdf
I dont think that the "matching" is critical for the antenna input circuit.
What I will say is that the circuit which connects the LC tuned circuit directly to the input will have a lower overall Q and hence a broader bandwidth than the one which uses the link winding to connect to the input.
Which of the two configurations is "better" is open to debate...
...one of those pointless debates which we see here on ETO and last for about 10 pages with no firm conclusions reached.
The two capacitively coupled tuned circuits are there to filter the required "band" of signals from the several volts of signals which will be present on the end of a wire antenna.
Without them the poor little 602 will be well overloaded.
And speaking of overloading, using a pot as an RF attenuator is an accepted practice on the front end of simple radio receivers.
It is not a calibrated attenuator, but then it does not need to be calibrated, it just provides attenuation if and when you need it.
JimB