Ian Maatsen is one of a number of players that has embodied the dynamic, fast-paced vibrant football that Coventry City have played when on top form this season. A quick, technically-skilful and forward-thinking presence on the pitch, Maatsen is consistently someone who gets opposing defenders on the turn, helping the Sky Blues stretch the play and pen the opposition into their own half. From day one, Maatsen has looked like someone with the aura of having the potential to play at a much higher level soon, in recent weeks, he has started to demonstrate that in more tangible terms with goalscoring contributions.
At left wing-back, Maatsen has consistently been a key outlet for the team. Not only is he quick and gets into advanced, wide areas, but his technique means he is able to control the ball instantly and drive into space – often when receiving cross-field passes from Gustavo Hamer. With a tendency to commit to challenges a little too early, the defensive side of Maatsen’s game can improve, but his attacking play more than makes up for it. Further forward, Maatsen has been able to translate his technical ability and pace in a tighter area of the pitch, demonstrating his footballing intelligence, along with an ability to get into scoring positions and finish.
Over the remainder of the campaign, Maatsen could well end up playing predominantly in an advanced role due to the shortage of quality attacking options in the team – that may change when Matt Godden returns to fitness. Over the short-term, this could allow Maatsen to take that step up from being a regular at Championship level to someone who can regularly impact games. Over the longer-term, his parent club, Chelsea, are likely to prefer Maatsen to play at left wing-back, which may have an impact over where he ends up next season, if there is the option of him staying at Coventry City. For the time being, Ian Maatsen may well have solved one of the Sky Blues’ biggest dilemmas – finding another goalscorer.
Sideways Sammy 