Reaction from Maatsen on current Netherlands role

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FanSided World Football

·20 marzo 2025

Reaction from Maatsen on current Netherlands role

Aston Villa left-back Ian Maatsen already has a taste for the Dutch senior team life. Filling in a roster spot after Frenkie de Jong's injury, he made the trip to Euro 2024 and was part of the environment in Germany. Many Aston Villa players heard their names called up for this week's international break. The defender, however, was not named to the squad for Holland as his countrymen prepare for their quarter-final legs against Spain in the Nations League.

Instead, Maatsen will get ready, as one of the more prominent players, to lead the U-21 Oranje against Italy and Romania. The UEFA U21 Euros are set to kick off in June in Slovakia, and the LB will look to impress in the tournament.

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Understandably, the defender was hoping to be playing for the senior side. Speaking with Voetbal International, the Dutchman understood the difficulty of making selection choices. He gave the following on being excluded from the senior team:

"Of course, it’s a bit of a downer. But I’m here now, I just have to keep doing my best. And, yeah, I can’t do much more, you know. Coaches make choices and that’s his choice. So, yeah, I can only respect and accept it."

It is better for Maatsen to have this healthy, balanced approach in terms of not being with the senior side. Of course, he wants to be preparing for Spain at the moment, one of the top nations for him to go up against and showcase his skill. His not being disappointed would be a potential point of concern.

Break from Aston Villa gives Maatsen an opportunity

Instead, it appears that he understands that the squad requires not only the given number of available spots but also that those are further divided up based on depth needed at each position. He knows that in order to position himself for 2026 and 2028, good performances with the younger group and Aston Villa are the only path forward.

Make no mistake; Unai Emery will tune into the upcoming U-21 matches, as well as a number of other international fixtures featuring his players. Being home from Dubai shortly, the manager will want to see how everyone is looking away from the club. Playing well against younger competition could be what Maatsen needs for the final push of this season's campaign.