Ian Maatsen jumps straight in at the deep end on his first assignment for Borussia Dortmund. He gets a first impression of the BVB fans – and is thrilled.

It was in the nature of things that most eyes and cameras at Borussia Dortmund were on Jadon Sancho after the 3-0 win at Darmstadt 98.

The returnee immediately set up Marco Reus for the 2:0. It almost seemed like old times again. The other BVB winter signing was less in the spotlight: Ian Maatsen. The left-back on loan from Chelsea FC was straight into the starting eleven – and did a more than decent job without a long familiarization phase.

“When I stepped onto the pitch, I felt like I’d been playing with the lads for years,” he said in a club interview the day after his BVB debut. “I had a good feeling and was immediately confident.” He was surprised to be on the pitch right from the start and to play the full 90 minutes. “I was surprised,” said the 21-year-old Dutchman. “But I gave it my all.”

Maatsen is more of a reserved, quiet type. He says the same about himself. Pogoing in front of the Dortmund fans who had traveled with him was not yet part of his usual terrain. But there was one thing he was able to take away from it. How to celebrate three points at BVB – and what the supporters are like. “The fans are fantastic. I’ve never seen a fan base like the one in Dortmund, even if it was only an away game. I can’t wait for the first home game.”

Praise from Edin Terzic

He’ll have to wait a little longer for that. Borussia Dortmund’s next match is at 1. FC Köln (January 20, 3:30 p.m.). Maatsen could also play from the start again. The words of BVB coach Edin Terzic at the press conference at least allowed this conclusion to be drawn: “He played a great game and gave an impression of what he is capable of.” He hopes that Maatsen can build on this performance and even improve on it.

The first home game for Ian Maatsen could be a very special one. It would be the Revierderby against VfL Bochum