As we watched this Euro 2024 kick off for the Netherlands against Poland, it seemed difficult to miss the style of ” made in USA » by Memphis Depay. White headband with the number 10 and the expression « Who cares “, referring to a question about his new look asked by a journalist during preparation. ” Who cares? It fits me great and helps me sweatexplained the interested party last March after a year of absence from the selection. My girlfriend loves this headband. Isn’t it amazing? It’s a new look, and I feel great. I’m already thinking about what color I’m going to wear in Germany. “If the main thing is indeed that the Batavian feels good in his skin, it does not prevent serious things from starting for the Orange in this Euro with a knockout round of 16 against a sexy Romania. And that’s where Depay, released by the contract that bound him to Atlético de Madrid, is expected to deliver.
Five goals away from the national record, and yet…
When it comes to talking about Memphis Depay in the Netherlands jersey, it is possible to see the glass as half full or half empty. Since Euro 2021, where the Dutch capitulated in the round of 16 against the Czech Republic (2-1), the national team has only left empty-handed 3 times out of 25 matches when Depay was on the pitch: in the quarter-finals of the last World Cup against Argentina (2-2, 4-3 PAB), at the Stade de France against the French team during the Euro qualifiers (4-0) and against Germany in a friendly on March 26 (2-1). With 46 goals in 95 caps, or 0.48 goals per cap, the rapper in his free time is preparing to become nothing less than his nation’s greatest scorer ahead of Robin van Persie and his 50 goals in 102 international caps. In this prestigious ranking, the recent thirty-year-old already puts in his rearview mirror goal hunters like Marco van Basten (58 selections for 24 goals scored), Ruud van Nistelrooy (70/35), Patrick Kluivert (79/40) or Jan-Klaas Huntelaar (76/42). Just that…
However, apart from the triple Ballon d’Or in 1988, 1989 and 1992, all have an average of at least one goal every two selections, which is not the case for Depay. However, comparing these yields is risky: international matches have multiplied in recent years and, by looking closely at his 45 goals, Depay mainly piles up goals against teams of the rank of Gibraltar (5) or Montenegro (4), but stutters against world champion nations (2 goals against Germany in 6 confrontations, only 1 against France in 7 games). So, is Memphis overrated?
“I doubt I’ll see Depay shine in the years to come”
Since 2013, the winger trained at PSV Eindhoven has had more struggles than good times with the Dutch national team. A third place at the Brazilian World Cup with a status of young promise, but above all two early eliminations in succession during the Euro 2016 qualifiers (behind the Czech Republic, Iceland and Turkey) and the World Cup in Russia (France and Sweden). Two bitter failures which ultimately draw a fairly symptomatic parallel with Depay’s individual journey. « Scoring 50 goals in the national team without having won a major trophy leaves an anecdotal feeling.allows himself to judge Chanot, who faced Memphis with Luxembourg, a match during which the Dutchman scored twice. Depay would need a benchmark match against a big team in a major international tournament to be considered a Van Persie or a Kluivert. » That’s good, the Euro is not over yet.
However, what Koeman’s men have shown does not give cause for optimism. With a collective that is not very exciting, but some good names in defense, the Orange Can they hope for better than a backdoor exit from the Euro against Romania? Defensively, I find them average.predicts Chanot. We feel that it is heavy and aging. The Netherlands’ luck is to find itself in the same part of the table as England and Austria. Now, it will be up to Depay to guide his team. » For Depay, it’s time to take responsibility, with or without a bandana.
Euro 2024 combined: €170 to be won by betting on the last 8th round!
Comments by Maxime Chanot collected by AD.
- -
