Memphis Depay’s physical condition continues to be a subject of questioning among the press in the Netherlands, as pointed out by Steven Verseput, a journalist at the NRC. The player, who previously played for Corinthians, had faced a recent injury that raised concerns.
Despite having recovered, the striker has been on the bench under Ronald Koeman in the Netherlands’ most recent World Cup matches. Koeman highlighted that the athlete is “not 100% physically”, an unusual situation for a player who is often among the team’s starters.
In a statement given to ESPN Brasil, the journalist highlighted the expectation that the player will remain an option on the bench, considering his gradual return from a period away due to injury. For Verseput, Depay does not demonstrate his best form to start matches.
Memphis Depay speaks out about questions about his performance
After the Dutch team’s impressive 5-1 triumph against Sweden, Memphis chose to speak out, expressing irony in the face of the negative evaluations of his performance. In that game, the athlete was activated in the second half, only entering in the 26th minute.
Still, Depay played a crucial role, providing the assist for the team’s final goal, which was converted by Summerville. The latter had also been introduced in the complementary stage and had already contributed with a pass for the third goal, scored by Cody Gakpo.
The player declared: “We created several opportunities and did a good job. Many people constantly comment on me, don’t they? I feel very good, I’m in top physical shape and extremely happy with the achievement.”
The Dutch team’s next challenge will be against Tunisia
The Netherlands, current leader of Group F, will return to the pitch this Thursday, the 25th, to face Tunisia. The match is scheduled to take place in Kansas, at Arrowhead Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 8 pm, Brasília time.