Is the Dutch team wrong to put their faith in Memphis Depay?

Memphis Depay is not in good form at EURO 2024. Photo: AFP

Despite being the Netherlands' second-highest goalscorer in history, Memphis Depay is facing questions about his ability to contribute at EURO 2024. The Atletico Madrid star's mark has been one goal and a series of missed chances, leading many fans of the "Orange Storm" to call on Ronald Koeman to start Wout Weghorst or Joshua Zirkzee.

Since the 2022 World Cup, Depay has only scored 3 goals for the national team. His poor performance has sparked controversy over whether the 30-year-old striker is worthy of being the spearhead of the Netherlands' attack.

In that context, captain Ronald Koeman still has great faith in his student. The 61-year-old strategist has transformed Depay from a winger into a real striker. In addition, he once brought Depay to Barcelona to continue this role. Currently, Koeman is still steadfast in using the striker born in 1994, despite his unstable performance at Atletico Madrid last season.

Koeman once said he was not satisfied with Depay's performance at EURO 2024 but still had faith in his student. Photo: AFP

Koeman has said Depay is the only player in his squad who can play his preferred style – a “false nine” who drops deep to create space for pacey wingers like Cody Gakpo and Xavi Simons to cut in from behind.

However, Depay's performances in the first two matches at EURO 2024 were unconvincing. In the 0-0 draw with France, the former Barca striker had just 28 touches in 79 minutes and had a passing accuracy of just 63.1% (the lowest of any starter for either team).

Depay's performance at EURO 2024 was extremely lackluster. Photo: AFP

Depay has not only been criticised for his lack of luck in front of goal, but also for his lack of contribution to the team's overall play. Meanwhile, Wout Weghorst proved his worth in the opening match against Poland when he scored the decisive goal after just two minutes off the bench. That goal helped the Netherlands win and qualify for the group stage.

Weghorst only made his international debut at the age of 25. However, the Burnley striker has already proven his ability to score goals in major tournaments. Although he has not had a career as outstanding as Depay, he still "fires" regularly and is always ready to prove his worth whenever he has the opportunity to play.

Koeman is the same, he prefers Depay's technical style of play rather than using a tall striker like Weghorst from the start. The 1963-born coach only brings the former MU star onto the field when he needs to change his playing style, focusing on putting pressure on defense or playing long balls.

Wout Weghorst's area of ​​operation in the Netherlands national team shirt since March 24. Photo: Opta

Memphis Depay's area of ​​operation in the Netherlands national team shirt since March 24. Photo: Opta

Depay often drops deep and drifts wide, while Weghorst mostly appears in the opposition box to apply pressure. Depay’s versatility can be effective but if the 30-year-old is not scoring, he needs to be creative and create space for his teammates.

Currently, Ronald Koeman is likely to continue to use Depay as a starter in the match against Romania. Although the 30-year-old striker still has a lot of work to do to reaffirm his value, Koeman sent a message that he will maintain his stance.

Source: https://laodong.vn/bong-da-quoc-te/doi-tuyen-ha-lan-dang-sai-khi-dat-niem-tin-vao-memphis-depay-1359932.ldo