Ian Maatsen makes Aston Villa point to Unai Emery after what he did in win v Bologna
Ian Maatsen has staked a claim to be a regular starter for Aston Villa after impressing in their win against Bologna on Tuesday 22 October.
The 22-year-old played the full 90 minutes as Villa extended their 100 per cent record in the UEFA Champions League to three games at home, courtesy of goals from John McGinn and Jhon Duran.
Making only his second start since arriving from Chelsea in the summer, the left-back took his chance to impress Unai Emery.
Ian Maatsen pushing Lucas Digne for first-team spot at Aston Villa
Lucas Digne has started in all but one of Aston Villa’s 11 games in the Premier League and Champions League, but may have to be worried about his place if Maatsen continues to play as he did against Bologna.
The youngster was potent in attack, registering four of his 72 touches in the opposition box and completing two of his four dribbles (FotMob).
He completed 35 of his 42 passes – of which 18 were played forward – with 83 per cent accuracy. This also included one accurate cross.
Maatsen was also influential at the back, winning three tackles with a 100 per cent success rate. Although he was dribbled past on three occasions, he recovered the ball six times and made two clearances and interceptions each.
The youngster was also surprisingly dominant in the air as he won each of his three aerial duels. On the ground, he registered a 40 per cent success rate, winning six of his 15 duels.
No player lost most duels than Maatsen in the game, but that does not take away from the fact that he was involved in both ends of the pitch.
Digne, who was linked with a move away from Villa last summer (Foot Mercato), is 31 years old and in the final two years of his contract. This is why it would make sense for Maatsen to play more often moving forward.
In other Aston Villa news, Paul Merson lost his mind over what this other player did against Bologna.
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