Chelsea ace Nicolas Jackson congratulates Ian Maatsen on Euro 2024 Netherlands call-up
Borussia Dortmund’s Ian Maatsen took to social media upon his selection in the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024, and his Chelsea teammate, Nicolas Jackson, has applauded his selection.
The left-back posted a picture on Instagram with the caption, “Hungry to hunt with the lion’s!” with a lion emoji. The espirit de corps at Stamford Bridge appears to be intact.
Nicolas Jackson took a moment to wish success to the 22-year-old, saying, “God’s time is always the best, good luck bro,” accompanied by joined hands emojis.
Maatsen has had a fantastic 2023–2024 season following his loan transfer from Chelsea to Bundesliga heavyweights Borussia Dortmund. The Dutchman lost out on game time after signing for the Premier League giants in 2023, and in the January 2024 transfer window, he was loaned out to the German side for six months.
Maatsen took the opportunity with both hands and even played a key role in Dortmund’s run to the UEFA Champions League final.
The 26-year-old has secured his place with the Netherlands squad, stepping in as a late replacement for FC Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, who has been ruled out of the forthcoming UEFA Euro 2024 due to a recurrent ankle injury.
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman called up Maatsen but not before criticizing FC Barcelona for reportedly having a significant role in de Jong’s injury. Despite missing the final six games of Barcelona’s 2023–2024 season, de Jong was initially named to the Netherlands’ 26-man roster for the European Championship.
However, the 27-year-old has been unable to achieve full fitness in time, with the national team describing his exclusion as a precautionary measure. One man’s misfortune is another’s opportunity. The onus is on Maatsen to make the most of it.
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It will be interesting to see Maatsen perform on the international stage, where the 22-year-old will get a chance to unlock his true potential remains to be seen. What we have seen of him so far, the youngster is unlikely to be fazed by the occassion.