Highly Anticipated to Defend the Indonesian National Team, Take a Peek at the Profile of Ian Maatsen, a Player of Javanese Descent

Kapanlagi.com - Ian Ethan Maatsen, a talented young defender with Indonesian blood, is once again experiencing the bitterness of disappointment in his international career journey. Ahead of the FIFA Matchday in November 2024, coach Ronald Koeman made the surprising decision not to call him up to the main Dutch team. Instead, Maatsen is only listed in the Dutch U-21 squad, despite his impressive and promising performances at club level.

This disappointment has sparked intriguing speculation: will Maatsen consider switching nationalities to represent the Indonesian National Team? Koeman's decision is not the first time it has hurt Maatsen's feelings.

The left-back, born in Vlaardingen, Netherlands, has previously been overlooked by the senior team, even though he continues to show brilliant performances in top European leagues and impresses at various levels of the Dutch youth national teams.

Now, the question is, will Maatsen remain loyal while waiting for an opportunity from the Dutch national team, or will he take a bold step to make Indonesia his new home on the international football stage?

1. Career Beginnings

Ian Ethan Maatsen, born on March 10, 2002, in Vlaardingen, Netherlands, is a young star shining on the field as a left-back with an aggressive and tactical playing style. With Surinamese and Indonesian blood flowing in him, Maatsen chose to pursue a football career in Europe, which led him to major clubs and made him a key figure at Aston Villa.

His career began at the Feyenoord academy when he was just seven years old, and his striking talent quickly caught the attention of prestigious academies such as Sparta Rotterdam and PSV Eindhoven. In 2018, Chelsea recognized his potential and recruited him to their academy.

His debut for Chelsea's first team occurred in September 2019 in the EFL Cup competition against Grimsby Town, and although he only appeared once, he continued to hone his skills through a series of loan spells that enriched his playing experience.

2. Loan Spells and Success at Burnley

Maatsen finally found his stage after Chelsea gave him the opportunity to play regularly through several loans at English clubs. In 2020, he began his adventure at Charlton Athletic, where he scored his debut goal against Doncaster Rovers in the EFL League One.

The following season, he continued his career at Coventry City and impressed in 40 appearances, further strengthening his position on the left side of defense.

However, the peak of his career journey occurred when he was loaned to Burnley in the 2022-2023 season, where he became a key to the club's success in winning the EFL Championship and promotion to the Premier League.

His outstanding performances on the field were rewarded with individual accolades, including a spot in the Championship Team of the Season.

3. Brief Career at Borussia Dortmund to Permanent Contract at Aston Villa

In January 2024, Maatsen embarked on an exciting new chapter in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, where he not only experienced the rich atmosphere of European league football but also earned the title of best left-back in the Team of the Season after his team reached the Champions League final.

After his loan period, Maatsen returned to England with a bold step, signing a permanent contract worth 37.5 million at Aston Villa. His impressive debut in the Premier League in August 2024 marked an important milestone in his career, solidifying his position as one of the most promising left-back talents in Europe.

4. The Struggle to Secure a Place in the Dutch National Team

Although Maatsen has achieved remarkable success at the club level, his career journey with the Dutch national team has not been as smooth as expected. Since his first steps in the youth teams of the Netherlands from U-15 to U-21, Maatsen has continuously fought for a place in the senior team.

However, until now, coach Ronald Koeman has not given him the opportunity to shine on the highest stage of international football. This situation has sparked speculation among Indonesian football fans, considering that Maatsen has Indonesian blood which could open up opportunities for him to switch federations in the future.

5. Maatsen's Future

As a player with Indonesian roots who has made a mark in elite European leagues, Maatsen has great potential to become a new star for the Indonesian National Team if he chooses to switch federations.

His presence could be a breath of fresh air for the Garuda squad, especially in the defense line that desperately needs an experienced international defender.

Maatsen's future will also be an interesting focus for fans, both in Europe and back home, who are eagerly awaiting the next steps from this talented player.

6. What makes Ian Maatsen appealing to the Indonesian National Team?

With a wealth of experience competing in Europe, Maatsen is ready to become a valuable asset for the Indonesian National Team. His skills honed at a high level will provide a significant boost to the team, making him a key figure in the effort to achieve success on the international stage.

7. Why hasn't Ian Maatsen played for the senior Netherlands team?

Although Maatsen has shown impressive performance at his club, the current coach of the Dutch national team seems to rely more on other experienced players to fill the senior squad.

8. What are Maatsen's chances of switching to the Indonesian National Team?

If Maatsen decides to switch federations and meets all the necessary administrative requirements, his chances of wearing the Indonesian National Team jersey in the future will be wide open.

(kpl/rmt)