Ian Maatsen, the Chelsea left-back currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund, has been omitted from the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 squad. This surprising decision comes as coach Ronald Koeman trimmed his provisional 30-man squad to the final 26 players for the tournament. Maatsen, a talented defender, was one of four players left out in the final cut.
Key Omissions and Squad Selections
Maatsen is not the only player to miss out on the final squad. Three other players have also been excluded: Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper Nick Olij, Feyenoord’s Quinten Timber, and Atalanta midfielder Marten de Roon. Jurrien Timber has been struggling with a thigh injury, while de Roon is sidelined due to a hamstring problem.
Maatsen’s omission has shocked many fans, especially given his strong performances since joining Borussia Dortmund on loan in January. In 22 appearances for the German club, the 22-year-old has scored three goals and provided two assists. He also played a significant role in helping Dortmund reach the Champions League final against Real Madrid. Despite these achievements and his 17 caps for the Netherlands under-21 team, Maatsen has yet to make his senior international debut.
Koeman’s final squad includes seven Premier League players. Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch are among them. Fans expressed their surprise and disappointment on social media, with one supporter commenting, “No Timber and Maatsen it’s so over,” and another adding, “Maatsen dropped, but Wijnaldum still there.” These reactions highlight the unexpected nature of Maatsen’s exclusion and the high hopes many had for his inclusion.
Maatsen’s Impressive Season
Ian Maatsen’s impressive season has made his exclusion from the Netherlands squad all the more unexpected. His contributions to Borussia Dortmund have been crucial since his move from Chelsea. Maatsen has shown versatility and skill on the field, proving himself a valuable player in both defense and attack. His ability to score goals and provide assists has made him an important asset for Dortmund.
Maatsen’s journey from Chelsea to Borussia Dortmund has been noteworthy. Initially part of Chelsea’s youth setup, he has developed significantly during his loan spell in Germany. His performances have caught the eye of many, and his absence from the Netherlands squad is seen as a significant omission by both fans and pundits. The young left-backs ability to adapt to the demands of top-level European football has been evident throughout the season.
Despite not making the final squad, Maatsen’s future remains bright. At just 22 years old, he has plenty of time to break into the senior national team and continue his development. His loan spell at Dortmund has provided him with valuable experience at a high level of competition, which will undoubtedly benefit his career going forward. Chelsea will closely monitor his progress, and he could potentially play a significant role in their plans next season.
Netherlands’ Euro 2024 Campaign
The Netherlands will start their Euro 2024 journey in Group D, facing tough opponents like Poland, France, and Austria. Before the tournament begins, Koeman’s team will play friendly matches against Canada and Iceland. These games will be crucial for the team to build chemistry and fine-tune their tactics. The Dutch squad, featuring experienced players and young talents, will be looking to make a strong impact at the tournament.
Many have been surprised by Maatsen’s exclusion from the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 squad. Despite his impressive season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, he will not be part of Ronald Koeman’s plans for the tournament. However, Maatsen’s future remains promising, and he will likely have many more opportunities to represent his country internationally. His journey from Chelsea to Dortmund has shown his potential, and he will undoubtedly be a player to watch in the coming years.
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