Ian Maatsen makes 'exceptional' Aston Villa admission ahead of huge Man City clash
Ian Maatsen scored his second goal of the season for Aston Villa in the 4-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday
Ian Maatsen acknowledges that squad rotation at Aston Villa is to be expected given the team's "exceptional" quality, but he now feels more comfortable within Unai Emery’s system.
The left-back had to be patient for his opportunity earlier in the season, making his first Premier League start at the end of November in the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.
He went on to make three more league starts over the next 11 weeks, before being named in the starting lineup for each of Villa’s last three league games against Nottingham Forest, Southampton, and Newcastle.
Maatsen scored his first league goal for the club on Saturday, restoring Villa’s lead against Newcastle after Fabian Schär had equalised following Ollie Watkins’ opening goal in the first minute.
After Dan Burn turned the ball into his own net and Amadou Onana fired past Nick Pope, Villa sealed an emphatic 4-1 victory, boosting their hopes of returning to the Champions League.
“We started so quickly and we were unlucky we didn't keep the clean sheet but then from the break the fans gave us a lot of energy and we scored four brilliant goals,” Maatsen said.
“There was a lot of energy on the pitch. I'm really glad and happy for the team.
“We’re out of Europe but next year we want to play again in the Champions League and these games. These points are really important for us.
“Today we showed that we're capable of winning against a tough team. At home we are feeling strong and we wanted to keep the momentum going at home.
“Of course we are sad [about being knocked out by PSG], we were so close but we learned from that moment as well. We take that disappointment in today's game and it shows, we scored four brilliant goals, the fans gave us such energy and also the manager.
“We know what we can do at home, it shows that we are strong here and don't lose any games.”
He added: “There’s five games left, so every point is important for us and today is a good start to finish the season. We're going to have to keep going.
“It gives us a lot of confidence of course, but away from home it's always tough to play, especially against Manchester City. They're also a top team that wants to compete for Europe and we want to do the same.
“We have to be prepared, but also the focus is in our hands. We know what we're capable of and we go there and show character and show energy that we can win there as well.
“If we play like this and away from home it's always difficult but we've got the squad, we've got the belief and the confidence that we can perform away against big teams.”
Maatsen’s seven league starts have been complemented by another seven starts across the Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup.
The 23-year-old has still made 40 appearances for Villa this season and has been absent for only one match — the 3-0 defeat to Newcastle on Boxing Day.
“I'm trying to do my best,” Maatsen said. “Today, I got the chance. It's such a strong squad so if someone is tired or injured we have enough players to do the same job.
“I feel fit, I am getting used to the system now. All the team knows what my game plan is and also the system we want to play in, so I feel comfortable and very positive.
“I think we've got a strong team, we've got exceptional players, and everyone can show their part. We're not finished yet, so we have to keep going.
“There are a few more games. It’s very important, so hopefully we can finish strong to get to Europe next season.”
Asked about his own qualities, Maatsen said: “Very fast! I'm very quick. I'm a dynamic player, when I have space and advantage for the opponents I just try to run in the space, and today Ollie did brilliantly to give me the assist.
“His performance was really good, to come back in the team and score and give an assist.”
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Aston Villa is marking its 150th anniversary with the launch of a new merch collection including shirts, hoodies, books, mugs and scarves.
Top items include the Anniversary Shirt, Anniversary Hoodie and Anniversary Polo Shirt, plus the 150 Years picture books Volume One and Volume Two.