Memphis Depay has not said his last word. Arrived free at FC Barcelona last summer at the request of Ronald Koeman, the former captain of OL could finally join a very big club as he hoped. A few months later, the native of Moordrecht is still just as motivated. However, his situation is far from obvious since he has become a substitute in the eyes of Xavi, who has notably had some physical glitches.
Despite this, the Dutch international never let go. He was rewarded yesterday with a start and a goal against Mallorca, he who had not found the net since March 6. It is also his twelfth of the season in 34 appearances in all competitions including 24 starts. Memphis is also with eleven achievements, Barça’s top scorer in La Liga this season. To this fine record, we must also add two assists. Not bad for a first season.
His best match at Barça
Scorer last night, Depay was hailed by the press. Sport wrote about him: “relegated to a secondary role with the arrivals of Ferran and Aubameyang, Depay shared a trident with the two. Xavi surprised by placing him on the left side. And the truth is that the former Lyonnais was at a very high level. Hyper motivated, eager to take advantage of the opportunity, Memphis was the biggest danger for the opposing defense. Beyond the superb goal he scored in the 25th minute, he was everywhere. 5/5 in dribbling, three shots (one goal), 87% in passing accuracy and 8/9 duels won. The best without discussion.”
The Catalan daily also added: “The Dutchman had one of his best appearances in a Barça shirt at a time when rumors of his sale were stronger. He is again the club’s top scorer in La Liga with 11 goals, but his situation remains delicate. The club sees him as one of the best options to earn money.”. Indeed, for several months now, Memphis has been considered a candidate for departure. We even talked about him as a possible bargaining chip while teams like Arsenal and Tottenham think of him.
A future at the heart of the debates
Last night, Memphis made things clear. “I came here with the desire to play for the team, of course without a doubt I want to be important for the team next year and for several years.” What put a spoke in the wheels of the Culés? Sport explains that the Barcelonians are always annoyed with Memphis. Despite his great stats, they still want to sign a No.9. In case Lewandowski or another striker arrives, a departure will be Depay’s best option. But if that doesn’t happen, the Dutchman might have some hope of staying.
A hypothesis which is not impossible since Memphis said he wanted to continue, he who scored points in the eyes of Xavi. “Memphis? I’m not talking about the future, I’m talking about the present and the matches to come. He played because he trains well. Maybe someone else would have given up, but they didn’t. He had a great game. We want this type of player. Sometimes I was still unfair because he didn’t have enough minutes. He had a fantastic week of training and, if he plays like that, he has to play.”. A message that Memphis Depay heard, determined to play the spoilsports.