- Ian Maatsen was on holiday in Greece with his girlfriend when he got the call
- The 22-year-old is now in Wolfsburg with the Dutch squad for Euro 2024
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Ian Maatsen was forced to cut short his luxury holiday in Greece when he received Ronald Koeman’s call to join the Dutch squad for the 2024 European Championship.
The 22-year-old was a surprise omission from the Dutch squad after an impressive six months on loan at Borussia Dortmund, culminating in a Champions League final.
Maatsen was given the news just three days before competing for club football’s biggest prize, which led to Real Madrid taking home the crown for the 15th time.
In an attempt to get over the bad news, the Chelsea full-back headed to Mykonos with his girlfriend, where he spent time relaxing on a yacht worth more than £500,000.
However, his brief spell in the sun was cut short when Teun Koopmeiners was forced out of Koeman’s squad due to injury, with the Dutch coach turning to Maatsen to replace him.
Ian Maatsens was enjoying his holiday in Mykonos when the phone rang for international service
Maatsen (right), 22, has now joined the Dutch squad in Wolfsburg for Euro 2024
The wing defender replaces Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, who suffered a groin injury
Maatsen is yet to make his international debut after playing a large number of matches at numerous youth levels.
But many expected him to be included in the original Dutch squad after a formidable spell in the Bundesliga with Dortmund.
The left-back joined the German squad in January after struggling to get a starting spot for the Blues.
During his six months in the yellow and black of Dortmund, Maatsen scored five goals in all competitions from 23 appearances.
He now joins the Dutch squad in Wolfsburg, who have had a difficult start to the summer despite not even taking to the pitch yet.
In addition to the loss of Koopmeiners, Koeman’s midfield suffered another blow when Frenkie de Jong was forced to withdraw after failing to recover from an ankle problem.
The Chelsea man impressed on loan at Borussia Dortmund and started in the Champions League final at Wembley against Real Madrid on June 1.
Instead of bringing in another replacement, Koeman has decided to start the tournament with a limited selection of 25 players.
The Dutch start their European Championship campaign against Poland on Sunday, in a group that also includes World Cup finalists France and Austria.