Ian Maatsen would have liked to be part of the senior Dutch national team during this international break. The Aston Villa defender reported to the Netherlands U21 team on Monday and expressed being 'a little disappointed.'
Ian Maatsen, the young Dutch defender, faced a surprising exclusion from the Euro squad initially, despite his impressive performances for Borussia Dortmund, where he played a crucial role in helping the team reach the Champions League final last season.
His omission from the national team roster was unexpected, particularly given his rising profile and the critical matches he had played in the lead-up to the tournament. However, an injury to Frenkie de Jong led to a last-minute change, and Maatsen was called up to join the squad for the European Championship in Germany on June 11.
Despite this late inclusion, Maatsen's hopes of making his debut for the senior Netherlands national team during the Euros were dashed. He spent the entire tournament on the bench as an unused substitute, missing the opportunity to showcase his talents on one of the biggest stages in international football. This lack of game time left Maatsen eager to prove himself and secure a more prominent role in future selections.
In preparation for the September international break, national team coach Ronald Koeman opted not to include Maatsen in the squad, a decision that once again caught the player off guard. Unlike the previous situation where injury necessitated a change, this exclusion appeared to be a tactical decision, with Koeman not providing any specific reasons or feedback to Maatsen regarding his absence. The young defender, who had recently completed a transfer from Chelsea to Aston Villa, was disappointed to learn of his omission through media reports rather than direct communication from the coaching staff.
Speaking to ESPN on Monday, Maatsen expressed his confusion and frustration over the lack of clarity surrounding his non-selection. "There are probably reasons for it. I wouldn’t really know. No idea. I don’t really understand it. But anyway, we are here now, so it’s up to me to show that I belong with the first team," he said. His comments reflect both his ambition to establish himself as a regular for the national team and his determination to work hard to earn his place.
Since joining Aston Villa, Maatsen has been adapting to his new surroundings and is still waiting for his first start under manager Unai Emery. Although he has made appearances as a substitute in the first three matchdays, he is eager to secure a spot in the starting lineup and demonstrate his capabilities in the Premier League. His performances for Villa will be closely watched, not just by his club but also by the national team selectors, as he seeks to make a case for future inclusion in the Dutch senior team.
For now, Maatsen is focused on making an impact with the Netherlands U21 team. He is set to feature in upcoming matches against North Macedonia U21 on Thursday and Georgia U21 on Monday. These games provide him with an important platform to showcase his skills and remind the senior national team management of his potential. Maatsen will be keen to put in strong performances, hoping to catch the eye of Ronald Koeman and secure a call-up for future international fixtures.
As he navigates this challenging period in his career, Ian Maatsen remains committed to his development and is determined to prove his worth both at Aston Villa and on the international stage. His journey serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of football at the highest level, where even talented players must continually strive to earn their place.
