Why Aston Villa must think twice before Ian Maatsen contract extension
Aston Villa seem to have been backed into a corner regarding Ian Maatsen.
The Villans have already lost Lucas Digne this transfer window, with the France international moving to Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United have been linked with their other left-back.
It doesn't look like the Lions have any intention of parting ways with the 24-year-old Netherlands international after a major turnover in recent months.
Unai Emery certainly wouldn't want to lose Maatsen before the transfer deadline and the Villa Park hierarchy are now looking to tie him down to a new deal.
The defender still has four years left on his contract, yet the B6 club seem eager to hand him a new deal after an approach from Old Trafford.
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Can Ian Maatsen succeed Lucas Digne at Aston Villa?
For all of Digne's drawbacks, he had undoubtedly been one of the most consistent left-backs in the Premier League over the last few seasons.
The 33-year-old was a threat going forward and there weren't many wingers in the English top flight who could get the better of him.
On the other hand, Maatsen hasn't necessarily been able to convince many since his £37.5million move from Chelsea.
According to Sky Sports on 29 August, the defender is set to be offered a new deal.
For the investment the Villans made in the Dutch national, they've only got three goals and four assists from him in all competitions in 91 appearances.
Last season, Maatsen made 30 Premier League appearances, starting in 17 of those matches, scoring zero goals and providing one assist.
As per Sofascore, the left-back created only five big chances for his teammates and also recorded 0.9 key passes per game.
Defensively, the Netherlands international kept two clean sheets and averaged 1.4 tackles, 2.7 ball recoveries and 2.1 clearances per game.
Why Unai Emery has no reason to worry about Ian Maatsen exit at Villa Park
Matteo Ruggeri has joined Villa from Atletico Madrid and will be competing for a place at left-back.
While the Italian defender may not be as technically gifted as Maatsen, he provided three assists, created five big chances and recorded one key pass per game in LaLiga last season.
Ruggeri started 20 of his 26 league games for Los Rojiblancos, keeping five clean sheets and averaging relatively better defensive numbers than the Dutch left-back.
The Villans shouldn't be in any rush to extend Maatsen's contract and if they have an opportunity to cash in on him, they should take it.