Is Memphis Depay Back?
- Features
- Nov 14, 2016
- 4 min read
Before the weekend, reports that Everton manager and fellow Dutchman Ronald Koeman wanted to sign Mempis Depay were met with mixed feelings.
On one part, there was a feeling that since Depay had underperformed at Man United, he needed to regain his confidence with more game time – something he’d get at Everton under Koeman.
On the other part, there was a feeling that maybe he [Koeman] could do something that both Van Gaal and Mourinho have been unable to do – get him back on form.
All the same there was not a lot of hopeful fans thinking he could make his change at Man United.
However, it was not just Manchester United who were struggling with what to do with Depay: the former World Cup sensation was also warming the bench for Oranje.
So, when Danny Blind brought him on from the bench last night (Sunday) and he scored his first competitive brace – it was both unexpected but very welcome in a way that it provokes strong feelings.
Memphis Depay had not scored a competitive goal for Netherlands since 23 June 2014!
Sunday night’s brace comprised of a brilliant header and a stunning free-kick #TypicalMemphis.
Why does Depay’s performance gets second thinking and what this mean for him and his future at the club.
Memphis has the Raw Talent to be whatever he wants to be:
The lad has that raw talent that you knew can be turned into something Cristiano or something Nani* (forgive me!) What will it take for him to become a regular goal-scorer and the menace he was?
Well, for one if he can build on this confidence, then you can bet that he will go up and and up – building his way into first team graces and then we can forget all these talks of transfers, e.t.c.
Quality vs Quantity - the former begets the later for him.
Memphis needs more game time, that’s true.
However, game time comes with being able to deliver and deliver well. He has a limited opportunity (and lots of pressure) to deliver before the January transfer talk take hold and begin messing with his head.
So, if I were him, I’d not mess with the bench time. Just like he did for Netherlands, the lad can become impactful sub – and voila, become a regular, impactful full-time player.
That extra thing that Memphis needs...Attitude, Spirit and Team Work.
Memphis is still a top player and at 22, he can do so much more.
If he can demonstrate the same spirit and attitude at OT as he did at PSV; he can flourish under Mourinho because he has that kind of stamina and playing style that Mou favours.
He needs to adjust himself to being on the bench until then – for Martial and others have overtaken him in the winger pecking order but there is much more from Depay. We all know that.
A change of attitude is therefore needed, and fast! Last season, his drip in form was preceeeded with reports that Depay had attitude issues.
In fact, Ryan Giggs had taken to working one-on-one with Depay to bring his attitude (down)! It was reported that the high life and new status had gone into the lad’s head.
That can happen to anyone… something SAF was keen to address with his young players.
Manchester United is the biggest club in the world and Memphis took over the biggest number (7) to go with his arrival.
Suddenly, he was not a PSV and that brought in too much for anyone…
I think he took it too seriously: both the praise and the critics… something that can get somebody to go #mental no matter how strong they are.
Therefore, Memphis needs to get an attitude change and take his fall in form not to mean it’s a fall from grace – but as an opportunity to grow and shine, once more.
Nani vs Cristiano vs Beckham
Personally, I still believe in Memphis.
He needs to apply himself more, become humble and committed to doing the grit rather than shinning out there.
He needs to be more of a team player because we all remember that moment when he had the opportunity to pass to Martial but went for glory – which is understandable for a winger… but like I said, it’s a Nani vs Cristiano issue.
Memphis as the next Cristiano
I think Memphis could be that guy if he can score more consistently.
Once he does that, he can write his own ticket from his ability to score from open kicks and open play.
This being the case, he can then be as selfish as he chooses to be and we’d play at his tune.
Currently, Martial is holding that role; because the only way this is allowed is if you can score and score consistently. Otherwise, you become a Nani.
Memphis as the next David Beckham
Becks was generous and precise to a T. He supplied and did so with the accuracy of his passes.
He scored, from free kicks and spots and open play – but he was a number 7 supplier.
Kind of what Ashley Young was in 2014/2015 season.
Right now, we are missing a Becks and our wings are impotent! Memphis has the kick and the strength to supply thus.
He’s not Beckham in terms of accuracy – but he’s got strength and speed and a great deal of accuracy and raw talent.
He can tackle and dribble and get the ball where he wants it. I think this is his best chance at success.
Even better, if he becomes the team-mate everyone wants to pay with, then he becomes indispensable.
He will therefore need to be more hard working, to give 100% every time and to track back more.
He needs to realize he’s in a team with other (more) capable players and learn to share.
That’s what Memphis is missing and I hope he can get it before its too late.
Do you think Memphis can build on his winning this weekend to get back into first team? What else can he do?
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