Ian Maatsen, who has experienced a whirlwind of events including a Champions League final appearance, a last-minute Euro call-up, and a transfer to Aston Villa in the Premier League over the past three months, is currently waiting for his chance to join the Netherlands national team. The 22-year-old left wing back was not selected for the senior squad's Nations League matches this week and is instead with the Dutch Under-21 team, participating in European Championship qualifiers against North Macedonia and Georgia on Thursday and Monday, respectively.
"Of course, this is a disappointment. I expected to report to the senior squad," he said, referring to their training nearby for matches against Bosnia & Herzegovina and Germany. "I could have withdrawn from the under-21s, but that's not who I am. Sometimes you have to accept things and not worry too much. I have to show here that I am the best and can play for the Dutch national team," Maatsen told reporters.
In June, Maatsen had abandoned his holiday in Greece upon receiving a late call-up for Euro 2024, replacing the injured Frenkie de Jong. However, he did not play in any of the tournament's games in Germany and is yet to earn a senior cap. "I tried to enjoy myself to the fullest. I was always eager to play, even if it was just for a minute. I wanted a cap but it hasn’t come yet," he explained.
During the Euros, Maatsen's transfer from Chelsea to Aston Villa was finalized in a deal reported by British media to be worth up to 40 million pounds ($52.46 million). Previously on loan at Borussia Dortmund, where he played in the Champions League final against Real Madrid at Wembley, he had planned to return to the Bundesliga club. "They just didn't have the budget of Aston Villa. And it was also a dream of mine to play in the Premier League. This was a great opportunity. I was also convinced in my conversations with coach Unai Emery. I already feel completely at home in Birmingham," he added.
