Memphis Depay: ‘I expect more from him than he showed today’
Friday, March 22, 2024 at 11:45 PM
Memphis Depay is overjoyed to be back in the Dutch national team. The Atlético Madrid striker played 77 minutes during his return in the friendly match against Scotland on Friday. “Step by step I am getting closer to my top form,” Memphis said in front of the camera at the NOS.
It was not Memphis’ happiest game, he agrees. “I also hope that others expect more from me,” says the former PSV player, who is especially happy to be top fit again after months of injuries.
“With minutes in my legs, confidence will come. I also enjoy the game and being fit. I think everyone can see that, even in training. Confidence is growing.”
Georginio Wijnaldum also made his return to the Dutch national team. The midfielder formed a successful tandem with Memphis for years, but according to the latter, this did not quite work out against Scotland.
“We didn’t find each other very often, maybe once or twice,” Memphis says. “Gini has not been there for a long time. There is a discussion: should he be there or not? I think he has shown that he can still be important for the team.”
Wijnaldum made it 2-0 with his head, but was not completely convincing, as Memphis also believes. “I expect a lot from him. He knows that. I think he can help the team with his running ability. I am happy that he scores. Getting into the box is one of his strengths.”
Memphis is asked whether Wijnaldum has passed his ‘exam’. “I don’t see it as an exam, given the number of international matches he has already played. How many goals has he scored? You can’t just lose that.”
“It is ultimately up to the trainer,” says Memphis. “I expect more from him than he showed tonight, but he is important for the team. It is only right that you expect more from each other.”
2024-03-22 22:45:00
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