Aston Villa’s Ian Maatsen says he can “learn a lot” from fellow left-back Lucas Digne.
Digne has been Unai Emery’s preferred option on the left side of defence this season, with Maatsen starting just once in the Premier League.
However, with Digne not travelling with the squad for Thursday’s Europa League match against Go Ahead Eagles due to a ankle problem, the 23-year-old is likely to start for the third consecutive European match.
“There is strong competition,” Maatsen said.
“Lucas is a fantastic player with a lot of qualities and I’m the young player coming into the Premier League so I can learn a lot from him and we have a good relationship.
“He keeps me sharp and keeps me focused so I’m not worried about my place in the team because the coach and my teammates know my qualities.
“Whenever they need me, I’m ready.
“I trust the coaches here. Whenever my minutes are coming I’m ready to perform and show my qualities.”
After making the permanent move from Chelsea for £35m in the summer of 2024, Maatsen started 17 of Villa’s 57 games last season.
Despite admitting it is hard to build consistency without regular starts, the Netherlands international stressed his development under Emery.
“Sometimes it is a bit difficult [to find rhythm], but on the training pitch we work on the details, so on the training ground – that’s the moment I can prepare myself for games and watch clips,” he added.
“My defensive skills are getting much better now. I am more confident in the way that he [Emery] wants me to defend. He has improved me a lot on the defensive side.”