Ian Maatsen has been named in the official Champions League Team of the Year. UEFA unveiled the XI on Monday with Maatsen taking up the left-back spot in a team dominated by the Germans and champions Real Madrid. Dortmund are expected to sign Maatsen on a permanent deal this summer after he joined on loan for the second half of the campaign, making seven appearances and scoring once in Europe for the runners-up.
Mats Hummels, Marcel Sabitzer, and goalkeeper Gregor Kobel are the other Borussia players to make the Team of the Year, as selected by UEFA’s Technical Observer panel.
Chelsea loanee power rankings: Ian Maatsen makes a flying start in Dortmund
Chelsea has a cheered history with the loan system, only really reaping the rewards of shipping out their best and brightest in recent seasons, with several of Cobham’s finest shining in the first team. A strong stint on loan at Borussia Dortmund has seen Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen named in the official Champions League Team of the Year. The versatile wideman has made a fast start to life in Germany, starting every game for the Schwarzgelben. Dortmund have only lost once in that time as they push for a Champions League place, with Maatsen already providing two assists and a goal in his nine appearances despite playing at left-back.
Ian Maatsen yet to decide future as Dortmund push to complete £35m deal
Ian Maatsen is yet to decide on his Chelsea future despite signing a contract extension with the club until 2026 in January, with Borussia Dortmund keen on completing a permanent move for the Dutch left-back who has a release clause of £35million. Maatsen, a Chelsea academy graduate, is currently with Dortmund on loan. The 22-year-old started just one Premier League game in the first half of the season before making the move to Germany in January where he has regularly started and played every minute of their Champions League knockout games.
‘I still have a contract and after the summer we’re going to decide where my future going to be,‘ said Maatsen
‘I know I came here to Dortmund prove myself that I can play on the highest level and the highest stage and that’s what I’m doing now,’ he added.
Also Read: No hard feelings’ – Dortmund Coach Opens up as Chelsea loanee causes havoc in Champions League final
How Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen has become key to Borussia Dortmund’s ‘new ideas’
Ian Maatsen produced one of the moments of Borussia Dortmund’s season. It set the Westfalenstadion ablaze on a wild Champion’s League night against Atletico Madrid. Cutting into the penalty box from the left, Maatsen collected Marcel Sabitzer’s backheel, drove infield, then slashed a shot across Jan Oblak and in off the far post. His goal gave Dortmund the lead for the first time in a tie that they would ultimately win. But it characterized his effect since arriving on loan from Chelsea. He has played with purpose and precision, and often with intricacy too. Maatsen has provided something that Dortmund had been lacking.
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