Ian Maatsen
AVL
LB
Balanced Full Back
Mar 10, 2002 (24)
Left
5'10"
126 lb
VillaCreates one chance in clean sheet
Maatsen registered two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 0-0 draw versus Hull City.
Analysis: Maatsen enjoyed real freedom going forward at Hull and should have had an assist after barely two minutes, only for Nicolas Jackson to steer his cross the wrong side of the post. The left back still handled his defensive duties, winning both his duels along with his tackles and contributing a clearance and an interception in Villa's first clean sheet of the campaign. His opening three games have brought three shots, six tackles, five interceptions and nine clearances. Maatsen has held down the left back berth since the departure of Lucas Digne, but Matteo Ruggeri arrives as genuine competition for the role. The pair could split the minutes should Villa choose to rotate, something that looks more likely when there is a European tie wedged between league fixtures and three games arrive back to back.
Two shots in Monday's loss
Maatsen registered two shots (zero on goal) in Monday's 1-0 defeat against Arsenal. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 96th minute.
Analysis: Maatsen recorded two shots in Monday's home opener, though he failed to put either on target. He performed well on the defensive end too as he won three duels and recorded three clearances, two interceptions and one tackle in his full 90 minutes of action. Maatsen was also booked just before the final whistle, picking up his first yellow card of the season.
Endures difficult season opener
Maatsen recorded one shot (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Sunday's 4-0 defeat versus Brighton.
Analysis: Maatsen registered one shot, one cross and two interceptions in Sunday's 4-0 defeat at Brighton, struggling to contain Brighton's right flank throughout a first half where his side were completely overrun and unable to provide any meaningful attacking output from the left side. The Dutch left-back faces competition for his starting role with Matteo Ruggeri pushing for opportunities, and Sunday's difficult display may accelerate a change in that position if Villa's defensive shape does not improve quickly heading into a testing run of early-season fixtures.
Impresses in Super Cup final
Maatsen won more duels and completed more dribbles than any other player on the pitch in Wednesday's 2-1 Super Cup final loss to PSG.
Analysis: Maatsen's performance stood out throughout the match, defending calmly against Achraf Hakimi and Desire Doue while remaining a constant outlet through dribbling, passing and crossing across the full 90 minutes. He appeared in 30 Premier League matches last season but started only 17, logging 1,600 minutes as more of a rotational piece, though his one assist, 26 chances created, 43 tackles, 19 interceptions and 64 clearances point to a well-rounded profile at left back. The timing couldn't be better for Aston Villa given Lucas Digne's departure, and a breakout showing like this could accelerate his path to a regular starting role.
Assists in 4-3 win
Maatsen assisted once to go with three crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 4-3 victory over Sunderland.
Analysis: Maatsen assisted Ollie Watkins to put Aston Villa 2-1 ahead in the win that came to 4-3 against Sunderland. This came as his first goal involvement of the season in his 26th appearance of the year. He started the game, which was his first in the Premier League since March 4th. He created two chances, his ninth time this season to create two.
Box-to-box performance
Maatsen had one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (two accurate) and two chances created in Wednesday's 1-0 win versus Brighton.
Analysis: Maatsen created two chances from two accurate crosses Wednesday as Aston Villa earned a 1-0 home victory over Brighton. The full-back did not shirk his defensive duties in favor of attack as he also made two tackles (two won), two interceptions and a team-high seven clearances in support of the clean sheet effort. Maatsen regularly shares time at left-back with Lucas Digne but has been named to the starting XI in favor of the veteran in four of Aston Villa's last five league fixtures.
Starts at left-back
Maatsen recorded two shots (zero on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and three chances created in Sunday's 1-0 loss against Brentford.
Analysis: Maatsen earning a second straight league start at left-back Sunday, a 10th start in 18 appearances this season. He would earn one of his better days attacking, recording two shots, three chances created and four crosses. However, he is still yet to bag a goal contribution, likely to come as an assist once he gains his first.
Alternating at left-back
Maatsen has made three starts between the Premier League and the Champions League so far this season.
Analysis: Maatsen recorded 10 EPL starts last season but has made just one so far in the current campaign. Even though he's seeing decent playing time in the UEFA Europa League, it seems Digne will remain as the starter on the left side of the defense at the EPL level, limiting Maatsen's fantasy upside considerably.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare