The defender, dutifully known as Ian Maatsen, was born on the 10th of March 2002, making him 22 years of age. His flourishing football career began in his home nation, the Netherlands, before the allure of the English game came calling. This globetrotter now pulls on the number 22 shirt for Premier League outfit Aston Villa, where he commands the field predominantly from the left-back position. He brings with him a stature of 5ft 6in (1.7m) and a weight of 10st 3lb (65kg), characteristics that simultaneously allow him to duel with the bullishness of English football and dance with the balletic grace often required of a Continental defender. This modern versatility is perhaps a testament to his journey from grassroots football in the Netherlands to the big stages in England.
His current market value is positioned comfortably around £27million, a figure quoted by Transfermarkt. The infallible online source of all things football-transfer related. In addition, the Dutch prodigy has pledged his future to the Villans until the summer of 2030, with over five years still left to fulfil on his existing contract.
Delving back a touch into Maatsen's early career, we discover his move to Premier League powerhouse Chelsea in July 2018 as a young trainee. The 2023 - 2024 season saw him slip on the reputable blue strip of Chelsea for a total of 12 league outings. Finding himself in the shadow of established players, Maatsen ventured south to the Championship, joining Charlton Athletic on a season-long loan in October 2020.
Upon the expiration of his loan spell, Maatsen rejoined his Chelsea comrades in June 2021 only to find himself back out on loan, this time at Coventry City, during the July 2021 transfer window. The 2021 - 2022 season at Coventry would see him enjoy a wealth of first-team football, recording 40 league appearances along with a commendable three-goal haul. When the midlands adventure ended, he returned to his parent club Chelsea the following June in 2022.
With the close season of 2022 came another loan spell, this time at Championship club Burnley. The Dutch left-back proved influential in his single season at Turf Moor, adding another four goals to his burgeoning reputation from 39 league matches. His Chelsea homecoming in July 2023 would bring a spell of stability, as he remained at Stamford Bridge over the next season, accumulating a further 12 league appearances.
A shift in culture followed in January 2024 as Maatsen swapped England for Germany, commencing a loan period at Borussia Dortmund. His time at the Bundesliga outfit led to 16 league appearances and a pair of goals. However, the call of England was too strong, and in July 2024, Maatsen returned to where he had built his name, but this time joining Aston Villa in a permanent move costing upwards of £38m.
In the current campaign, the 2024 - 2025 season, Maatsen has already clocked up 18 league appearances for Aston Villa. His participation has not been limited solely to the Premier League, as he has also started in an FA Cup match, two League Cup matches, been selected for five UEFA U21 Championship Qualifiers for the Netherlands, and enjoyed two starts and five substitute appearances in the Champions League for the Villans. A fitting representation of an exciting and promising footballing journey.
