Ian Maatsen has hit the ground running at Borussia Dortmund. In his first month, the Dutchman has been nominated for Bundesliga Rookie of the Month.
Less than 24 hours after his arrival from Chelsea, Maatsen made his Bundesliga debut against Darmstadt, playing his part as Dortmund ran out 3-0 winners.
Deputising for Ramy Bensebaini and Julian Ryerson, Maatsen has since made the left-back spot his own. There’s an aurora of Raphaël Guerreiro about him in terms of his output in the final third.
In just his second appearance for Dortmund, Maatsen assisted compatriot Donyell Malen against FC Köln. Since his move from Chelsea, the 21-year-old has played in every BVB game, playing the full 90 minutes across four games.
But Maatsen is in some esteemed company for January’s Bundesliga Rookie of the Month Award.
Who will be crowned January’s #BLRookie of the Month? 👑
🇩🇪 Maximilian #Beier – @TSGHoffenheimEN 🦌
🇳🇱 @XaviSimons – @RBLeipzig_EN 🐂
🇳🇱 @Maatsen_Ian – @BlackYellow 🐝Vote now 👉 https://t.co/CF0VCnWE8u#Bundesliga | #Sorare | @Sorare pic.twitter.com/MqIK9SbXw6
— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) February 5, 2024
Maximilian Beier (Hoffenheim) and Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig) have also been nominated this month. Simons was named Bundesliga Rookie of the Month for December, while Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface won the award for August, September, October and November.
