Schlotterbeck and Brandt reveal surprise at Maatsen's Euro snub
After impressing since joining Borussia Dortmund on loan from Chelsea in January, Ian Maatsen seemed to have put himself in a good position to earn a call-up to the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024.
However, Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman ultimately decided not to call him up, which came as a surprise to Maatsen's Borussia Dortmund teammates Nico Schlotterbeck and Julian Brandt.
"I was very surprised," Schlotterbeck said at a press conference on Friday when asked about the decision.
"Ian was the best left-back in the league in the second half of the season and played incredible games against Atletico and PSG. For me as an outsider, it's inexplicable.
“I hope Ian can keep his form up for the next few years, then he'll be a big player for the Netherlands.”
Brandt, sitting next to Schlotterbeck, added:
"I would have called him up too."
Maatsen's loan at Dortmund is due to expire this summer, but Borussia Dortmund are reportedly working to sign him on a permanent basis.