Memphis Depay’s form fades as Netherlands lean on Brobbey for Morocco tie | OneFootball

Memphis Depay has arrived at the World Cup short of fitness and out of the Netherlands’ starting XI, with Morocco awaiting in the round of 32 in the early hours of Tuesday, 3am in France. According to L\'Équipe, the 32-year-old, the country’s record scorer with 55 goals in 112 caps, has yet to score at these finals.

Back in the capital of the state of Nuevo Leon on Sunday, Depay was reminded of 2011, when he and Nathan Aké played the Under-17 World Cup there. The Netherlands went out in the groups after a 3-2 defeat to Mexico on 24 June 2011, despite Depay scoring as the starting striker.

Ronald Koeman almost left him out after repeated muscle problems. Depay missed 123 days this season, the latest a flexor injury on 22 March, and was told to play before the tournament to be considered. He made only a brief outing for Corinthians against Atlético Mineiro on 24 May, a 1-0 win, three days before the 26-man list was named.

Koeman values him because he delivered eight goals and four assists in eight qualifiers. Yet, so far, the gamble has not paid off, with Depay restricted to roughly the final 20 minutes. He did help start the move for Crysencio Summerville’s strike, the fifth in the 5-1 win over Sweden on 20 June.

Up front, Koeman tested Donyell Malen but found him more effective on the right. Brian Brobbey, 24, then started against Sweden and scored his first brace for the national team, and netted again in the 3-1 win over Tunisia on 26 June. He should keep his place against Morocco, with Depay watching on.

Source: L'Équipe