It’s probably fair to say that it’s not been a good international break for Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven. And now the calls are coming for him to be replaced, by Aston Villa’s Ian Maatsen.
Van de Ven has started all three of the Netherlands’ games in this international break, playing 90 minutes against Germany, Serbia and Greece. All three of those have been at left-back.
It’s continued a growing theme in international football for the defender, whose last game at centre-back came in the 1-0 defeat to Germany in October 2024. That is just one of two centre-back appearances for him, despite that being his primary position at Tottenham.
Calls for change
It’s an experiment that has rarely worked. While Van de Ven is not uncomfortable in the position, he is also not a left-back either. And it seems the calls for change are now growing.
One of those who is being very vocal in those is Valentijn Driessen. And he already has the perfect replacement in mind – Aston Villa’s Ian Maatsen.
“He (Van de Ven) hasn’t played well for three consecutive matches now. I hope Xavi simply puts a proper left-back there for a change,” he said on De Telegraaf’s Kick Off Podcast.
Aston Villa man ready
The journalist then made it crystal clear who should fill the left-back position in the next international break.
“Ian Maatsen. Koeman didn’t rate him, but every time you see him play—like against Spain in the Nations League last year – he performs really well. He is simply an excellent player.
“I’d rather have a player like that than Van de Ven. Yes, he’s fast, but if you field someone solely to recover from errors, I think you’re missing the point; it’s also about whether someone is comfortable on the ball.”
The question is whether Maatsen can force his way into the picture. This is perhaps his best opportunity to do so given Lucas Digne left Aston Villa this summer.
That’s left him battling Matteo Ruggeri for the starting role. Perhaps if he wins that battle, the Netherlands will also be ready to grant Driessen’s wishes.
