Ronald Koeman says Netherlands need Memphis, praises Corinthians facilities | OneFootball

Ronald Koeman says the Netherlands need Memphis for the World Cup, yet he has not guaranteed the No 10 will feature in Sunday’s Group F opener against Japan. He added the forward is getting closer to full fitness each day.

According to Globo.com, Memphis, the Netherlands’ record goalscorer, remains central to Koeman’s plans. The Dutch missed chances and Algeria won a warm-up friendly.

Koeman noted Memphis had been injured and had not played in recent weeks, but is back with the squad and, day by day, closer to 100% physically. He stressed that to achieve anything at this tournament the Netherlands need everyone, and certainly need Memphis.

He said he travelled to São Paulo to speak with Memphis and to see Corinthians’ facilities, and was impressed by the strength and quality of the Brazilian league. Injuries, he added, delayed the player’s ideal condition, and the staff are working to get him fully ready while assessing him day by day.

After Japan on Sunday, the Netherlands face Sweden on Saturday 20, then finish the group on Thursday 25 against Tunisia.

Source: Globo.com