Ian Maatsen has adjusted to life in Dortmund so well that you could almost make the mistake of thinking he's been here forever. The Dutch defensive strategist has given the BVB game new and vital impulses, in attack, in build-up – until June that is, when his six-month loan will come to an end. 

The Black & Yellows' summer tour of the United States in 2023 was, in two respects, a preview of things to come six months later. For the second half of the current season, sporting director Sebastian Kehl not only bolstered the squad with the unique talents of Jadon Sancho, who played against his former club for the first and so far only time in a 3-2 friendly win for BVB over Manchester United in Las Vegas. Three days later, Borussia faced Chelsea in Chicago, where, unbeknownst to anyone at the time, another future Dortmund player would take to the pitch.

Ian Maatsen was Chelsea's starting left-back on the day.

The Dutchman has become the revelation of the second half of the season. The 21-year-old from the small town of Vlaardingen in Noord-Holland has slotted into the Black & Yellow ensemble seamlessly in recent weeks, so much so that it's felt like he's marshalled the left side of defence here for years, while also being able to move into the centre when called upon.

Welcome, Ian! You joined BVB from the Premier League at the same time as Jadon Sancho. Had you come into contact with each other during your time in London and Manchester respectively?

No, we didn't have any personal contact before, but of course I know him as a footballer, from his time in the Manchester City academy and most recently in the Premier League with United. Jadon has incredible quality and we will all see how good he is this season. You can tell how comfortable he feels at Dortmund and that makes a big difference!

What was your first thought when the move to Dortmund was confirmed?

The stadium, with its famous atmosphere and the Yellow Wall. I had read and heard a lot about it, but experiencing it in person at my first home game was something else entirely. The atmosphere is simply incredible!

BVB showed interest in you last year and kept tabs on you ever since. What was it like making the move so soon before the start of the second half of the Bundesliga season?

Of course, I felt honoured that a big club was interested in me. We were playing over the festive period at Chelsea and I was part of the matchday squad from time to time when the approach came from Dortmund. I would have liked to have flown to the training camp in Marbella, but things got complicated and as a player you can't do anything other than wait. Then it all happened very quickly. The agreement between Chelsea and BVB, the flight to Germany and the first game the very next day. And what can I say: it went really well!

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Ian Maatsen was on the pitch from the first to the last minute of his BVB debut and received a standing ovation for a fantastic performance. This was in keeping with his own personal story. Borussia's new left-back has developed a remarkable ability in recent years to adapt to new surroundings overnight without any major adjustment problems. He moved from his native Netherlands to the Chelsea academy at the age of 16 and made his first-team debut in the League Cup just one year later. But before making his breakthrough at the highest level, he first toured the lower leagues. Maatsen spent a year with third-tier side Charlton Athletic, another with second-tier Coventry City and a third with Burnley, who he helped return to the Premier League last season with four goals and six assists.

The Dutchman has never been as close to a regular place at Chelsea as he was under Argentinian head coach Mauricio Pochettino. Maatsen even scored the first goal of the Pochettino era in a 5-0 win over AFC Wrexham during the club's tour of the USA last summer, which included his first encounter with BVB in Chicago. This was followed by a total of 199 minutes in 12 Premier League matches. On 6 January 2024, he sat on the bench at Stamford Bridge for the last time in a 4-0 FA Cup win over Preston North End. Then the offer of a loan deal came in. A week later, Ian Maatsen was wearing the number 22 jersey for the Black & Yellows for their trip to Darmstadt.

Ian, you're just 21 years of age, but you've already been around the block. How has that shaped you as a player?

It's always a challenge to get used to a new environment. You come into a dressing room as a young player, almost everyone is older than you, has children and knows each other. On top of that, I'm a fairly quiet person and don't like saying too much. What can I say: the road to the top is long and not always easy. But I'm a positive person and have great people around me. And how many people my age have the chance to be on the football pitch every day and fulfil their dream? I have this chance and I'm grateful for it!

When we see you on the pitch, it's hard to believe that you've only been here for a few weeks. It looks like you've been playing for BVB for several years. How have you managed that?

I felt at home right from the start, which means that even before the flight to Dortmund, I felt a certain tingling sensation, the anticipation of playing for this club. I immediately had a very special connection with the players, even though I'd never played with them before. I can't really explain it myself. Maybe it's because I received a very warm welcome from everyone here.

Who in the dressing room gave you the most help?

I remember Donny Malen from the Dutch national team and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens from my time in England. It's always good when you come somewhere as a new player and know a few people. But something very special was when Marco Reus sent me a text message before I left for Dortmund saying how much he was looking forward to playing with me. Marco Reus! A player known and respected all over the world!

And, incidentally, the same Marco Reus who played a major role in the return of Jadon Sancho. Which proves once again that everything is connected in some way...

Author: Sven Goldmann
Photos: Alexandre Simoes

This text is from the members' magazine BORUSSIA. BVB members receive BORUSSIA free of charge every month. Click here to apply for membership.