Memphis Depay
CF
Playmaking Forward
Feb 13, 1994 (32)
Right
5'10"
172 lb
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Records assist off bench
Depay assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Saturday's 5-1 victory over Sweden.
Analysis: Depay came off the bench in the closing stages of Saturday's 5-1 win over Sweden, making the most of his 18 minutes by delivering the assist for Crysencio Summerville's fifth goal, playing a precise pass into the area that allowed the West Ham winger to finish coolly, and also creating one chance in a brief but impactful cameo. The veteran forward's contribution underlined his value as a decisive option off the bench for coach Ronald Koeman, and his ability to create and finish in tight spaces gives the Netherlands an experienced option capable of changing games from the substitutes' bench as the tournament moves into the knockout phase. Heading into the round of 32 as top of Group F, Depay's role in the squad hierarchy will continue to be defined by his impact in limited minutes, with his combination of creativity and finishing making him a dangerous wildcard in the tournament's decisive stages.
In contention to start opener
Depay (thigh) has been declared fit enough to start Sunday's World Cup opener against Japan, though his place in the starting lineup has not yet been confirmed, according to coach Ronald Koeman, per Telegraaf NL. "Memphis is fit. He would be able to start the game. The past ten days, from the start of our tournament preparation, his fitness has increased. So he has progressed well. Things are looking good. He is an important player. He has been so for a very long time and he is a key part to our possible success in this World Cup. He is important for that."
Analysis: Depay had made just three appearances since suffering a right thigh injury on March 22 during a Corinthians match against Flamengo, and sat out Monday's friendly win over Uzbekistan as the coaching staff managed his workload carefully. His progression over the final ten days of preparation has been sufficient to put him in contention for a starting role, a significant boost for the Netherlands heading into their Group F campaign. The 32-year-old is his country's all-time leading scorer with 55 goals, and his availability gives Koeman a key attacking weapon as the Netherlands look to go one step further than their semifinal exit at Euro 2024.
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