Memphis Depay
CF
Playmaking Forward
Feb 13, 1994 (32)
Right
5'10"
172 lb
Ranking
Grades
Key Grades
This season
Overall Grades by game
This season
Matches
News
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.
Returns to action ahead of World Cup
Depay (thigh) came off the bench to play 30 minutes against Atletico Mineiro on Sunday and has been officially named in the Netherlands' World Cup squad.
Analysis: Depay's return to competitive action is a significant development after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a persistent thigh injury that had threatened his participation in the tournament. The 30 minutes logged against Atletico Mineiro gave coach Ronald Koeman the evidence he needed to include the forward in the squad, with Depay's fitness clearly having progressed sufficiently despite the complications that had emerged earlier in his recovery. The Dutch all-time leading scorer will now join the national team setup in Zeist on May 30, with the focus firmly on building his match sharpness ahead of the World Cup. His inclusion is a major boost for the Netherlands, who will be counting on his experience and goal-scoring instinct to make an impact during the tournament.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare