This gold medal marks the country's second podium finish at the championship
Ian Maatsen might have played in a Champions League final, received a late call-up to the Euros and moved to Aston Villa in the Premier League in a tumultuous last three months, but is having to bide his time about making the Netherlands team.
The 22-year-old left wing back missed out on selection with the senior squad for this week's Nations League matches and is instead with the Dutch Under-21 team who play European Championship qualifiers at home against North Macedonia and Georgia on Thursday and Monday, respectively
"Of course this is a disappointment. I expected to have to report to the other side," he said of the senior squad training nearby for their Nations League clashes against Bosnia & Herzegovina on Saturday and Germany next Tuesday.
"I could have withdrawn (from the under-21s), but that's not who I am. Sometimes you have to accept things and not worry too much. I have to show here that I am the best and can play for the Dutch national team," he told reporters.
In June, Maatsen had given up his holiday on a boat in Greece when he received a late call-up for Euro 2024, replacing the injured Frenkie de Jong. But he did not play in any of the games at the tournament in Germany and is still to win a senior cap.
"I tried to enjoy myself to the fullest. I was always raring to go. Even if it was just for a minute. I wanted a cap but it hasn’t come yet," he said.
It was during the Euros that his move from Chelsea to Aston Villa was finalised in a deal British media reported to be worth up to 40 million pounds ($52.46 million).
He had been on loan at Borussia Dortmund, and after playing in the Champions League final against Real Madrid at Wembley, had planned to go back to the Bundesliga club.
"They just didn't have the budget of Aston Villa. And it was also a dream of mine to play in the Premier League. This was a great opportunity. I was also convinced in my conversations with coach Unai Emery. I already feel completely at home in Birmingham," he added.
ALSO READ:
This gold medal marks the country's second podium finish at the championship
The series of a premier global route to enable elite amateur golfers to reach the highest level of competition
Alonso, who took his titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006, has not won a race since his 32nd career victory at Ferrari in 2013
Team principal Andrea Stella said McLaren wanted to support Norris 'without too much compromise on our principles'
The Emirates Dubai Sail GP marks the start of an expanded season that features new events in iconic waterfront locations across the world
Yunis Halim, who was born to Palestinian parents in Chicago, will represent Palestine's national baseball team at the Arab Classic in Dubai
Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant's former LA Lakers teammate, will be in Abu Dhabi next month for two pre-season NBA games as a global basketball ambassador
Dubai Basketball, the newly-established professional sports franchise, will become the first UAE team to compete in a major European league