Ian Maatsen sends two-word message as he faces Aston Villa absence
Unai Emery could be without Ian Maatsen for the start of Aston Villa’s pre-season plans after his progress with the Netherlands’ Under-21s.
Villa already have a packed schedule of matches in place before they kick-off their Premier League campaign against Newcastle on 16 August, with another busy season ahead in multiple competitions.
Emery’s side controversially lost at Man United on the final day of last term and were beaten to the last Champions League place by Newcastle on goal difference, dropping into the Europa League as a result.
The Villans face both Walsall and Roma at the Bescot Stadium either side of four pre-season matches across Germany and the USA this summer, but one player is already making waves ahead of their return.
Maatsen turns heads away from Aston Villa duty
Maatsen’s £35million transfer to Villa Park from Chelsea could amount to £70m with all add-ons and wages included, and the 23-year-old is expected to play a more prominent role ahead of next season.
Villa were backed to sell Lucas Digne in the wake of Maatsen’s arrival last summer, but the Frenchman started at left-back in 40 of his 45 appearances as opposed to just 17 starts in 45 matches for Maatsen.
Netherlands Under-21 boss Michael Reiziger has had Maatsen front and centre of their Under-21 Euros campaign though, and he played the full 90 minutes in their 1-0 win over Portugal on Saturday.
That victory took the Oranje into the last four where they’ll face England, and Maatsen posted on his Instagram story (22 June) with the two-word message of: “Semi final”.
Aston Villa need more from Maatsen next season
Football Insider Verdict
Maatsen failed to truly fire in his first campaign at Villa Park, and after he helped Borussia Dortmund to a Champions League final appearance the season prior, Emery will hope for a vast improvement next term.
Football Insider revealed on 14 June that Alex Moreno is keen on a move to newly-promoted Leeds this summer, but that still leaves the tried and trusted Digne in the way of Maatsen and more game-time.
Maatsen has already made his debut and scored for the Netherlands’ senior side and will soon have 20 caps for their Under-21s, but it remains to be seen if that progress will stand him in good stead in the eyes of Emery next season.