Ronald Koeman stresses Memphis importance for World Cup and recalls Corinthians visit | OneFootball

Ronald Koeman has underlined Memphis Depay’s importance to the Netherlands’ World Cup campaign, despite the forward’s recent fitness issues.

According to Meu Timao, Memphis is Corinthians’ only representative at the tournament, which begins on Thursday. Koeman said he is monitoring the striker daily, that Memphis is edging closer to full fitness, and, as the Netherlands’ record scorer, will be needed if they are to achieve anything.

Memphis suffered a grade two strain in his right hamstring in March and missed more than two months. Since returning in May, he has played twice for Corinthians, a 1-0 win over Atlético-MG in the Brasileiro and a 2-0 defeat to Platense in the Libertadores.

Koeman also visited São Paulo in February 2025 to meet Memphis, see Corinthians’ facilities and assess the competition level. He accepted injuries had delayed the player’s ideal condition and said they would work day by day to have him ready.

Corinthians will receive 5,000 dollars per day while Memphis remains available to the Dutch during the tournament. FIFA’s compensation calculation also includes his appearances in the qualifiers.

The Netherlands are in Group F, opening against Japan on 14 June at 17:00 Brasília time at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington. They then face Sweden on 20 June in Houston, before meeting Tunisia on 25 June in Kansas City.

Before the finals, Koeman’s side played two warm-ups. Memphis came off the bench in a defeat to Algeria, then was an unused substitute in a win over Uzbekistan in the United States.

Source: Meu Timao