Aston Villa defender Ian Maatsen has been backed to replace Micky van de Ven at left-back for the Netherlands by Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen.
The endorsement comes while Maatsen continues his recovery from an ankle injury, making this a debate about his future international role rather than an immediate return.
Driessen makes Ian Maatsen selection case
Speaking on De Telegraaf’s Kick Off podcast, in comments translated by Sport Witness, Driessen questioned the continued use of Tottenham defender Van de Ven on the left.
He argued that the position requires more than recovery speed, highlighting the importance of comfort in possession.
“He is simply an excellent player,” Driessen said of Maatsen.
“I’d rather have a player like that than Van de Ven.”
Driessen also pointed to Maatsen’s performance against Spain in last year’s Nations League as evidence supporting his case.
Injury recovery comes first for Aston Villa defender
For Villa, the immediate priority remains getting Maatsen fit.
Our Ian Maatsen injury guide details the ankle tendon damage suffered against Nottingham Forest on 12 September and the initial six-to-eight-week recovery estimate.
That points towards late October or early November, although no comeback fixture has been confirmed.
In his absence, Matteo Ruggeri has stepped into Villa’s left-back role, giving Unai Emery another specialist option.
Driessen’s backing offers an encouraging reminder of Maatsen’s standing in the Netherlands. Turning that endorsement into a starting place will first require a successful return to club football.
