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

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 the role of spearhead in 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 true 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 he still has faith in his student. Photo: AFP — 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 among the starters for both teams).

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, scoring the decisive goal just two minutes after coming 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 gets the chance 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 coach born in 1963 only puts the former MU star on the field when he needs to change the playing style, focusing on creating defensive pressure or playing long balls.

Memphis Depay's area of operation for the Netherlands national team since March 24. Photo: The Athletic — Wout Weghorst's area of operation for the Netherlands national team since March 24. Photo: Opta

Depay often drops deep and drifts wide, while Weghorst mostly appears in the opposition box to press. Depay’s versatility can be effective but if the 30-year-old isn’t 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