Aston Villa’s Maatsen backed to replace Tottenham star as Dutch journalist demands change

Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen has backed Aston Villa defender Ian Maatsen to replace Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven at left-back for the Netherlands national team. Speaking on De Telegraaf's Kick Off podcast, Driessen argued that the left-back role requires comfort in possession rather than just recovery speed, expressing a preference for Maatsen over Van de Ven.

Maatsen is currently sidelined with ankle tendon damage suffered against Nottingham Forest on September 12, with an estimated recovery time of six to eight weeks. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has utilized Matteo Ruggeri at left-back during Maatsen's absence, with Maatsen targeting a potential return in late October or early November.