Memphis disappoints in new role at Corinthians

In partnership with

Gazeta Esportiva.com

·2 March 2026

Memphis disappoints in new role at Corinthians

Without Yuri Alberto, Memphis Depay has been disappointing as Corinthians' center forward. Replacing the injured top scorer, the Dutchman has taken on his teammate's role in recent games, but has yet to score and has been delivering performances below expectations.

Memphis played as the main striker in three of Timão's last four games. He started in this position in Curitiba against Athletico-PR, came on in the second half against Cruzeiro at Mineirão, and in the Paulistão elimination against Novorizontino in Novo Horizonte.

OneFootball Videos

Despite being accustomed to playing in this position for the Dutch National Team, Memphis has not been able to replicate the strong performances he delivers for the national team while wearing the Corinthians jersey. For the Oranje, the forward is the country's all-time top scorer with 55 goals. However, he failed to score in the three games he played as Timão's "number nine".

Even in his original position in Dorival Júnior's scheme, on the wing, Memphis has yet to score in 2026 for Corinthians. In the nine games he has played, the Dutchman has contributed with only one assist.

Live Score Grêmio Novorizontino – Corinthians

Poor Numbers

In the three games he played as a center forward, Memphis took only five shots, hitting the target once. Additionally, the Dutchman lost possession 23 times during this period, failing to stand out in playmaking or finishing. The numbers are from Sofascore.

While Yuri Alberto remains injured and Memphis has not managed to take the lead in Corinthians' attack, the number 9 spot for Timão remains open. Dorival Júnior has already given chances to Gui Negão and Pedro Raul, but both also had discreet performances.

On the other hand, Dorival is expected to soon gain a new option for the offensive sector: Kaio César. The forward is in the final stages of recovery from a right thigh injury.