Ian Maatsen is yet to start a Premier League game for Aston Villa this season, having come off the bench in all the first three games.
He spent the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund and had also featured often for Chelsea in the first half of the campaign, but despite having become a recognisable figure in recent months, he is yet to play for the Netherlands senior side.
The Aston Villa man has been left out of the Dutch squad for the upcoming Nations League games and spoke to De Telegraaf about his situation.
“Of course I’m a bit disappointed, but the world doesn’t just revolve around Ian Maatsen.
“It remains a process and I still have a lot of things to improve. But there’s nothing better than being here and showing what I can do?”
Even though Maatsen had a difficult time in the Champions League final for Dortmund last season, he built a very good connection with the club and the fans and he wants to feel the same sort of love at Aston Villa.
“The love is still there, also from my side for the fans at the club that shaped a large part of my career. I hope for that again at Aston Villa.”
He is also willing to work hard to earn that love at the Birmingha club, saying that his work ethic comes from his parents and he is going in the right direction.
“Where does that come from? The way my parents raised me. We have always been hardworking.”
The defender is clearly very confident in his own ability and the approach he’s giving to his progress in the game. Now he needs to excel for Aston Villa so he can earn that loves he wants and then shine for the Netherlands also.
