The £37.5million left-back was last week subjected to stinging criticism from former Dutch international Khalid Boulahrouz, who claimed he should feel “deeply ashamed” by his early performances in the tournament.
But Maatsen, at 23 one of the most experienced players in the squad, responded by helping his team set up a date with England in the last four with a man-of-the-match performance in Saturday’s quarter-final win over Portugal.
Asked about Boulahrouz’s criticism after the match, Maatsen told De Telegraaf: "You do get those little things. You can always get criticism.
“I don't run away from that either. That is also a sign that I am an important player in this team and that people have certain expectations of me.
“I have that myself. I didn't start the tournament well, but I think I showed a good reaction."
Former Chelsea man Boulahrouz, who now works as a TV pundit in the Netherlands, had blasted Maatsen after the young Dutch team lost to Denmark in their second group game.
He said: "He (Maatsen) should be deeply ashamed. He was involved in three goals against in two matches.
“He plays football as if he is playing football somewhere in the Vondelpark (a park in Amsterdam). That is not possible."
The Netherlands beat Ukraine in their final group match before then stunning Portugal on Saturday.
Their task looked a steep one when Ruben van Bommel was sent-off inside the opening 21 minutes but Maatsen contributed to an impressive defensive effort, before setting up the only goal of the match for Ernest Poku late on.
"We remained patient, worked hard together, made extra metres,” said Maatsen. “In the last minutes you are rewarded with a goal. Credits to Poku.
“Thom (van Bergen) passed the ball well and I saw some space behind the defense. Poku was already going deep. Everyone knows that Poku is very fast. Fortunately, he finished it off wonderfully."