Ian Maatsen
AVL
Left Back
Balanced Full Back
Mar 10, 2002 (24)
Left
5'10"
126 lb
Attempts two shots in victory
Maatsen registered two shots (zero on goal) in Saturday's 2-1 victory against Manchester City.
Analysis: Maatsen showed attacking intent during the 90 minutes with two shots, but neither tested Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Dutch footballer did block a late Erling Haaland header, which helped preserve his side's lead. The Norwegian managed to score a goal nevertheless, which cost the Villan defence a clean sheet. Furthermore, with only 56% of ground duels won, Maatsen didn't have his best showing despite a win for Aston Villa.
Fit Wednesday
Maatsen (ankle) is on the bench for Wednesday's match against Viking.
Analysis: Maatsen has been out since before the September international break but is finally fit again, as the defender resides in a bench role. He started in every match ahead of his injury, likely to return to a starting role soon. Matteo Ruggeri (hamstring) is set to still miss the next month, so that should leave plenty of time for Maatsen to see the field.
Returns to training ahead of Viking clash
Maatsen (ankle) participated in Aston Villa's team training session Tuesday after several weeks on the sidelines and could be an option for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Viking, according to John Townley of Birmingham Live.
Analysis: Maatsen has taken an important step toward returning to competitive action after recovering from an ankle injury that has kept him sidelined for several weeks. The Dutch defender was spotted training alongside his teammates at Bodymoor Heath on Tuesday, confirming that he has made sufficient progress to resume group activities. Manager Unai Emery had previously indicated that Maatsen was expected to rejoin training this week, and his return comes just ahead of Wednesday's European encounter against Viking. However, his availability remains uncertain given his lengthy absence. Maatsen's potential return would provide Villa with a welcome boost to their defensive depth, particularly with Matteo Ruggeri (hamstring) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (hamstring) also dealing with injuries. Even if he is cleared to feature Wednesday, the coaching staff could opt to manage his minutes carefully as he works toward regaining full match fitness.
Should resume group training next week
Maatsen (ankle) is expected to return to training at some point next week, according to manager Unai Emery. "Ian [Maatsen] will come back to join the group this week."
Analysis: The match against Viking on Wednesday might come too soon for Maatsen, but a return to face Manchester City on Saturday, Aug. 24, could be more realistic. The Dutch defender has been out for several weeks and his return would give Villa a huge boost on the defensive, as they're already missing Matteo Ruggeri (hamstring) and look set to be without Aaton Wan-Bissaka (hamstring) for several weeks as well.
Could return within two weeks
Maatsen (ankle) could return to team training within the next few days or up to two weeks as he continues recovering from his injury, according to coach Unai Emery, per John Townley of Birmingham Live. "Ian will join us in a few days, one week or two weeks, which is positive."
Analysis: Maatsen resumed individual work on the grass Monday after being sidelined with an ankle injury sustained in September. Manager Emery's latest comments suggest the defender is making encouraging progress and could rejoin his teammates in the near future, although an exact timetable remains uncertain. Wednesday's Champions League clash against Fenerbahce will come too soon, while his availability for upcoming Premier League fixtures will depend on how quickly he progresses through the final stages of rehabilitation. With Matteo Ruggeri facing more than a month on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury, Maatsen's eventual return would provide Aston Villa with a much-needed boost at left-back.
Returns to grass Monday
Maatsen returned to individual work on the grass Monday as he steps up his recovery from an ankle injury, Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Maatsen is trending in the right direction following this latest update, and this is another step in the right direction for the Aston Villa defender's recovery after he sustained the injury in September. He's trending toward playing in the near future, but the match against Feyenoord on Wednesday will come too soon. He could have an outside chance to feature versus Newcastle on Saturday if his recovery continues to trend in the right direction.
Making progress but remains out
Maatsen (ankle) remains unavailable for Saturday's Premier League clash against Brentford despite making positive progress in his recovery, according to coach Unai Emery. "Maatsen is progressing very well, but still out."
Analysis: Maatsen continues recovering from the right ankle tendon injury he sustained against Nottingham Forest in September. Manager Unai Emery's latest update confirms he is not yet ready to return to competitive action. Although his rehabilitation is progressing well, no revised return date has been provided. Matteo Ruggeri should continue to benefit from his absence as Aston Villa's primary option at left-back, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka also capable of providing cover.
Out six to eight weeks
Maatsen (ankle) is expected to miss six to eight weeks after MRI scans revealed tendon damage in his right ankle, according to The Athletic.
Analysis: Maatsen is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after being forced off late against Forest, with the six-to-eight-week timeline likely to keep him unavailable for a significant portion of the upcoming schedule. Matteo Ruggeri is the only other natural left-back in Aston Villa's squad and should be the primary beneficiary of Maatsen's absence, putting him in line for increased starts. Aaron Wan-Bissaka can also provide cover on the left if needed.
Facing lengthy ankle absence
Maatsen sustained an ankle injury in Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Nottingham Forest and could face an extended spell out, according to manager Unai Emery, per John Townley. "I don't know exactly but the information I have, an ankle injury, it may be a long, long time,"
Analysis: Maatsen suffered an ankle injury after a James McAtee challenge late in Saturday's defeat to Nottingham Forest and could not continue, leaving Aston Villa with 10 men after Unai Emery had used all five substitutions by the 63rd minute. Emery offered no timeline beyond suggesting the absence could be long, which points to the club awaiting scans before determining the severity and recovery period. Matteo Ruggeri is the obvious replacement at left-back after being an unused substitute Saturday, while Pau Torres also going off in the first half could force Emery to adjust multiple positions in defence.
Unable to continue against Forest
Maatsen was unable to continue after a challenge from James McAtee in the closing stages of Saturday's home defeat to Nottingham Forest, leaving Aston Villa to finish with 10 men having already used all five substitutions.
Analysis: Maatsen's status will need to be monitored after he was forced out of Saturday's loss to Nottingham Forest following a challenge from James McAtee. With no indication yet of the severity of the problem, his availability for the upcoming fixtures remains uncertain and will likely depend on how he progresses after the incident, with Matteo Ruggeri set to provide cover at his position if he misses time.
Creates 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.
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