Aston Villa’s Ian Maatsen has expressed his desire to learn from teammate Lucas Digne, the established left-back at the club. Digne has started most matches this season under head coach Unai Emery, leaving Maatsen with limited opportunities to showcase his talent in the Premier League. So far, he has made just one start in the league.
Maatsen Discusses Challenges in Securing Starting Positions
Digne, who is currently sidelined due to an ankle injury, will miss the upcoming Europa League match against Go Ahead Eagles. This situation provides Maatsen the opportunity to start his third consecutive game in European competition.
Strong Competition for Left-Back Position
Despite the competition, Maatsen feels assured of his contributions. He stated, “I’m not worried about my place in the team because the coach and my teammates know my qualities.” His readiness to step up when called upon reflects his dedication to the team.
Development Under Unai Emery
After transferring permanently from Chelsea for £35 million in the summer of 2024, Maatsen actively works on his game. Last season, he played in 17 matches for Villa out of a total of 57 games. Although he finds it challenging to establish consistency without regular starts, he remains optimistic about his development under Emery’s guidance.
- Key Stats:
- Transfer from Chelsea: £35 million
- Games played last season: 17 out of 57
As he continues to develop, Maatsen remains ready to demonstrate his abilities whenever the chance arises. His experience during training and matches will be crucial as he adapts to the demands of Premier League football.
