Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen admits he turned down Eredivisie leaders Feyenoord in order to join Championship title-chasers Burnley last summer, telling Algemeen Dagblad that Vincent Kompany played a major role in his decision.
If any player sums up Burnley’s evolution under the former Manchester City captain, it’s Maatsen. The swashbuckling Dutchman already has four goals and five assists from left-back this term.
And there was a moment, during Saturday’s 4-0 thumping of Huddersfield Town, when Maatsen found himself in the penalty area; Burnley’s most advanced player, his positioning highlighting the free-flowing freedom everyone in claret-and-blue enjoys under Kompany.
“It is wonderful to work under him,” Maatsen smiles. “You can see with him, just like with Mikel Arteta, that he has adopted Pep Guardiola’s way of thinking.”
Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen chose Burnley over Feyenoord
Burnley are cruising at the top of the Championship; 19 points clear of third place and on the verge of Premier League promotion. The 20-year-old would almost-certainly be tempted by the idea of joining the Clarets on a permanent basis over the summer, having snubbed one of the most historic clubs in the Netherlands in favour of a short-term switch to Turf Moor in 2022.
“(Feyenoord coach Arne Slot) wanted me after Tyrell Malacia left,” adds Maatsen, who could have replaced Manchester United’s street-fighter left-back at De Kuip.
“That was a great conversation. But I really got a good feeling with Vincent because he called me every day. Feyenoord was certainly an option. But when I had made my choice, I called Arne Slot. I explained that I would like to succeed in England.”
Burnley can move one step closer to the Championship title away at relegation-threatened Blackpool this weekend. Feyenoord, meanwhile, are dreaming of only a second Eredivisie title since the turn of the Century; Slot’s expert management attracting interest from Leeds United.
“I am very afraid Arne Slot, is in his last year (at Feyenoord),” admits former Dutch footballer Hans Kraay Jr. “I am afraid he’s going to leave after two fantastic years, and be carried out on the red carpet.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
