Memphis Depay faces an imminent international retirement from the Netherlands national team, according to former Dutch international Theo Janssen.
Theo Janssen Points to Physical Decline
Speaking on the Ziggo Sport program Rondo, Janssen stated that the forward’s upcoming appearance for Oranje should be his farewell match. Depay has earned 112 caps and scored 55 goals for the Netherlands, making him the country’s all-time top scorer. However, Janssen argued that the player’s physical condition and ongoing injury struggles limit his effectiveness on the pitch.
“Afscheid,” Janssen said on the broadcast, using the Dutch word for farewell. “I think so. Memphis has done fantastically. He is the all-time top scorer, he has done great. You just see that in recent years his career is becoming less.”
Janssen highlighted that Depay misses matches due to physical setbacks and that younger players with strong qualities are entering the national setup. “And Memphis is only good if he is really fit,” Janssen added. “That is also his quality: coming into the midfield, sending passes from there and then being in the penalty area again. And he can no longer bring that.”
Xavi Hernandez Omits Depay From Squad
The remarks follow recent roster decisions by Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez. During the World Cup last summer, Depay was utilized in a reserve role, and the current coach has not called up the forward for upcoming fixtures.
“It is a matter of moments,” the head coach stated, noting that other players currently hold better form.
Midfield Decisions Ahead of Nations League Fixtures
As the Oranje squad gathers in Zeist, attention also turns to the midfield selection ahead of upcoming UEFA Nations League matches. The team faces Greece on November 13 at 20.45 local time, followed by a fixture against Germany on November 16 at 20.45 local time.
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