Ian Maatsen of Aston Villa FC looks on Feyenoord v Aston Villa FC, UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD2, Feyenoord v Aston Villa FC, De Kuip...
Credit: Imago
Max Wilkins
Fri 20 February 2026 12:10, UK
Ian Maatsen will look to replicate the work of Birmingham City star Kai Wagner at Aston Villa on Saturday.
The Villans are preparing for an upcoming clash with Leeds United as they welcome Daniel Farke’s side to Villa Park in their next Premier League outing.
Unai Emery will be keen to get back to winning ways after falling to a 3-1 defeat against Newcastle United in the FA Cup fourth round last time around.
Leeds didn’t face the same fate as they secured their place in the draw with a penalty shootout victory against Birmingham.
The clash at St Andrew’s gave the Whites their desired result, but could give Maatsen fresh encouragement ahead of the upcoming B6 meeting.
Kai Wagner excelled for Birmingham City vs Leeds United
The Villans are in need of a pick-me-up at Villa Park and could find that against Leeds, while they battle against relegation.
It is ironic that the claret and blues’ most bitter rivals across the second city could be the side to give the perfect blueprint against Farke and Co.
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Chris Davies’ side had the better share of possession and also secured a higher expected goal tally of 1.21 compared to the Whites’ 0.91.
The hosts were able to create three big chances, with their left-back having a say on plenty of key moments throughout the tie at St Andrew’s.
Wagner featured for the full 120 minutes and created five chances for his teammates with his 83 per cent pass accuracy in the Midlands.
Aston Villa Kai Wagner Birmingham City stats vs Leeds United
He also took one shot on target, swung in three accurate crosses, while chipping in with nine defensive actions and six duel wins.
The German was arguably the star performer against Leeds, something which Maatsen needs to take note of at Bodymoor Heath.
Ian Maatsen has blueprint for Aston Villa vs Leeds
There have been flashes of excellence throughout his Villa spell, as showcased by Sofascore below, but he needs to showcase that on a more consistent basis.
The Dutchman has been much improved this season and has the chance to prove how far he’s come with a positive showcase against the Yorkshire outfit.
Ian Maatsen stats graphic including image of Aston Villa Park
Credit: Sofascore
In his last Premier League outing, the 23-year-old helped keep a clean sheet with his 11 defensive contributions and five duel victories.
That doesn’t look like being as important against the Whites, with his attacking work likely to be more impactful against a back five.
Against Brighton last time around, Maatsen took one shot and created two chances with his 100 per cent cross success rate, something which could take a step up against the Whites.
If he uses the work of Wagner at Birmingham City as his blueprint, he could be set for success at Villa Park on Saturday.
For even more Aston Villa news and transfer rumours, head over to Football Insider for the latest.