How to Play Like Maatsen: The Complete Guide for Young Footballers
Ian Maatsen has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting young defenders in European football, and learning how to play like Maatsen has become a popular goal for aspiring youth players across the UK. The Dutch international, known for his explosive pace, tireless running, and attacking prowess from the left-back position, represents the modern evolution of the full-back role. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly what makes Maatsen special and how young footballers can develop similar attributes on the pitch.
Who Is Ian Maatsen? Understanding the Modern Wing-Back
Ian Maatsen is a Dutch professional footballer who has made his name as a dynamic left-back capable of playing as a wing-back in more attacking systems. Born in 2002, Maatsen developed through the renowned Feyenoord academy before moving to Chelsea’s youth setup, where he further refined his skills. His loan spells at Charlton Athletic, Coventry City, Burnley, and Borussia Dortmund showcased his remarkable ability to combine defensive solidity with attacking threat.
What sets Maatsen apart from traditional defenders is his complete understanding of both phases of play. He’s equally comfortable tracking back to make crucial tackles as he is bombing forward to deliver dangerous crosses or cut inside onto his right foot. For young players aspiring to play in this position, studying Maatsen’s game provides an excellent blueprint for modern full-back play.
Key Attributes That Define Maatsen’s Playing Style
Explosive Pace and Acceleration
One of Maatsen’s most notable qualities is his exceptional speed. He possesses the acceleration to recover defensively when caught out of position and the top-end pace to overlap teammates and create attacking opportunities. Young footballers looking to emulate this aspect should focus on sprint training, including short-burst exercises over 10-30 metres that replicate match situations.
Developing football-specific speed requires consistent practice of explosive movements such as shuttle runs, ladder drills, and resistance sprints. Remember, it’s not just about being fast in a straight line—Maatsen excels at changing direction quickly whilst maintaining his speed, which requires dedicated agility work.
Outstanding Stamina and Work Rate
Playing as a modern wing-back demands incredible fitness levels. Maatsen regularly covers more ground than almost any other player on the pitch, constantly making overlapping runs, tracking back, and supporting both attack and defence. This requires exceptional cardiovascular endurance combined with the ability to recover quickly between high-intensity efforts.
Young players should incorporate interval training into their routines, mixing high-intensity running periods with active recovery. Activities like Fartlek training, tempo runs, and position-specific conditioning drills will help build the stamina needed to influence games for the full 90 minutes, just like Maatsen does.
Technical Ability on the Ball
Unlike full-backs of previous generations who were primarily focused on defending, Maatsen is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, playing quick combinations, and driving forward with purpose. His first touch is reliable, his passing is crisp, and he has the confidence to take on opponents in one-versus-one situations.
To develop similar technical skills, young footballers should dedicate time to ball mastery exercises, including close control drills, wall passes, and crossing practice from various positions on the flank. The ability to deliver quality balls into the box whilst running at full speed is a particularly valuable skill that sets top wing-backs apart.
Tactical Understanding: Reading the Game Like Maatsen
Positional Awareness and Timing
One of the most underrated aspects of Maatsen’s game is his tactical intelligence. He knows precisely when to push forward and when to hold his position, understanding the ebb and flow of matches. This awareness comes from studying the game, understanding team shape, and recognising attacking opportunities before they fully develop.
Young players can improve their tactical awareness by watching professional matches with a specific focus on full-back positioning. Notice when Maatsen decides to overlap versus underlap, how he communicates with his winger, and his positioning during defensive transitions. This knowledge transforms good players into intelligent footballers who make better decisions under pressure.
Defensive Responsibilities
Despite his attacking contributions, Maatsen never neglects his defensive duties. He’s a committed tackler, shows excellent body positioning when jockeying opponents, and rarely gets beaten in one-on-one situations. His ability to read the game allows him to intercept passes and break up opposition attacks before they develop.
Youth players must understand that becoming an effective wing-back starts with mastering defensive fundamentals. Practice your tackling technique, work on staying goal-side of opponents, and develop the discipline to track runners throughout the entire match. Only when these basics become second nature can you confidently push forward knowing you can recover if possession is lost.
Training Drills to Develop Maatsen-Like Qualities
Overlapping and Crossing Practice
Set up a drill where you receive the ball from a central midfielder, play a one-two with a winger, then sprint to the byline to deliver a cross. Focus on the quality of your final ball, varying between driven crosses, floated deliveries, and cutbacks. Repetition builds muscle memory and confidence.
Recovery Run Exercises
Practice scenarios where you push high up the pitch, then must sprint back to deal with a counter-attack. This simulates real match situations and builds both the physical fitness and mental discipline required to play like Maatsen. Include decision-making elements—do you track the runner or cover the space?
One-versus-One Defending
Regularly practise defending against tricky wingers in isolated situations. Focus on your body shape, staying patient, and forcing attackers onto their weaker foot. Maatsen excels in these duels because he’s practised them thousands of times and understands the tendencies of different types of attackers.
The Mental Side: Developing a Winner’s Mindset
Maatsen’s journey to the top wasn’t straightforward. He experienced multiple loan spells and had to prove himself repeatedly at different clubs. This resilience and determination are qualities that young footballers must cultivate. Embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and maintain confidence in your abilities even when facing difficulties.
The modern wing-back role demands bravery—the courage to take risks, make forward runs knowing you might get caught out, and back yourself in crucial moments. Develop this mentality through competitive training, setting personal goals, and reflecting honestly on your performances to identify areas for improvement.
Conclusion: Your Journey to Playing Like Maatsen Starts Now
Learning how to play like Maatsen requires dedication to developing multiple aspects of your game simultaneously. From building explosive pace and exceptional stamina to refining technical skills and tactical understanding, young players who commit to comprehensive development can aspire to reach similar levels. Remember that Maatsen himself was once a youth player with dreams of professional football—his success came through years of focused training, intelligent practice, and unwavering determination.
At Titans Football Academy, we specialise in developing well-rounded young footballers who excel in every aspect of the modern game. Our expert coaches provide personalised training programmes designed to build the technical, tactical, physical, and mental attributes needed to succeed at the highest levels. Whether your child dreams of becoming a dynamic wing-back like Maatsen or excelling in any other position, our academy provides the perfect environment for growth. Contact us today to enquire about joining Titans Football Academy and take the first step towards unlocking your child’s full football potential.
Ready to get started?
Sign your child up for a free trial session at your nearest Titans Football Academy development centre — no commitment, just football.
Follow Us on Social Media
Recommended Articles
Nutrition
- Cristiano Ronaldo Diet: The Ultimate Footballer’s Guide
- Messi Nutrition Plan: Optimal Performance Secrets
