Yahoo News Ian Maatsen lifts lid on 'difficult' situation and makes Aston Villa vow
Ian Maatsen is yet to make his first start for Aston Villa, but understands he's in a "process" and is excited to continue learning under Unai Emery.
The left-back has featured in all six of Villa's games in all competitions since joining from Chelsea in the summer, but hadn't played more than 21 minutes in a match before the weekend. Lucas Digne, who has been keeping Maatsen out the side with his strong performances, was taken off at half-time against Wolves, allowing the Dutch international to play the whole of the second half at Villa Park.
Maatsen, Leon Bailey, Ross Barkley and Jhon Duran helped change the game for Villa as Emery's side came back from a goal behind to win 3-1. Ollie Watkins put Villa back on level terms in the 73rd minute before Ezri Konsa completed the comeback late on and Duran scored the third in added time.
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"We came back - normally you want a clean sheet - but we came back strong," Maatsen said. "We kept believing. The crowd kept supporting us and when you come to Villa Park it’s such an amazing atmosphere. I was very pleased with all the boys, all the fans and happy with the performance.
"Any team that comes here needs to feel the pressure, so that it’s hard to win or get points here. Today and last week again, it’s pleasing.
"We trust in our belief. And our ability. We kept the ball moving. We played strong. We didn’t rush, we made good decisions. And you see we are going to create a lot of chances. We scored three amazing goals.
"The coach will be very happy. We kept our character. He was just pleased. We have to keep going being consistent, but we’ll do it."
Maatsen added: "It shows we have a good group. Everyone is capable of scoring. That’s what we believe in. We keep calm, we keep the ball, we know our players are going to make a difference. We always believe we can come from behind.
"I’m pleased for Ezri. I told him before the game: 'You're gonna score'. And he did. Hopefully, that’s just the first of many."
Maatsen could make his first start for Villa on Tuesday night as Wycombe Wanderers host Emery's side at Adams Park in the Carabao Cup third round.
"Of course, it’s a bit difficult [not to start]," Maatsen admitted. "But there will be opportunities. And I have to be ready to make an impact and today I did that to help my teammates. Maybe next time is my time. I just have to be ready.
"Every time I have to be ready. I work hard. And we push each other. Today it was my turn to come on and make an impact. Maybe next week, it’s the other way around. I’m just happy to get minutes. It’s still a process.
"I’m happy to be at Villa. There’s a lot to learn. I’m easy. I’m composed. I’m just trying to do my best. Every minute show the quality I have.
"There are a lot of games. So everyone who starts or comes off the bench, there’s a lot of fresh energy off the bench. We need to be ready and give our best."
