"Bit of a downer" – Aston Villa player won't hide he's gutted by manager decision

03/18/2025 12:11 PM

Aston Villa defender Ian Maatsen has admitted it was a "bit of a downer" to find himself left out of the Dutch squad for this international break.

Voetbal International have a short interview with the defender today as he gets ready for an international break in which he will again be part of the Dutch U21 squad and not the senior side.

The Aston Villa full-back had been hoping to be in Ronald Koeman's main squad as they take on Spain in a double header in the Nations League quarterfinals this week.

Instead, he has found himself overlooked in favour of Ajax defender Youri Baas, who has broken into the Dutch side's team as a central defender this season but can also play on the left.

Maatsen would have been the obvious choice for a left-back after continuing his development at Aston Villa this season following his big move from Chelsea in the summer.

That came on the back of a successful loan spell at Borussia Dortmund last year in which they made it to the Champions League final and was a key player in that run.

He's made 35 appearances in all competitions for Aston Villa this season but that wasn't enough to convince Koeman, something Maatsen admits he's not happy with.

"Of course it’s, uh, a bit of a downer," he said.

"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.

"And, uh, just focus on myself. But keep doing my best here. And, yeah, then it’ll probably be fine, I think."

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