Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has urged “difference-maker” Memphis Depay to regain health and “be in prime type” for this summer time’s World Cup.
Depay was ignored of Koeman’s squad for the March worldwide break after the Corinthians ahead suffered a thigh damage, although he nonetheless travelled to Netherlands for remedy.
The 32-year-old was Netherlands’ star performer throughout their qualifiers, scoring eight targets and offering 4 assists in eight matches.
Solely Erling Haaland scored (16) and straight contributed to extra targets (16) than Depay within the UEFA World Cup qualifiers.
Throughout that spectacular qualifying marketing campaign, Depay additionally grew to become Netherland’s all-time main scorer with 55 targets, surpassing Robin van Persie’s earlier report of fifty.
Koeman believes the previous Manchester United man can play an important function this summer time, however provided that he’s slot in time for the match.
“He [Depay] got here by coaching and had lunch with us,” mentioned Koeman. “I additionally mentioned: earlier than it, it’ll be time [for the World Cup].
“He must be in prime type, in any other case he received’t be the difference-maker he must be. However I don’t suppose Memphis will probably be scared so simply.”
After a 2-1 victory over Norway, who had been with out Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, on Friday, Netherlands host Ecuador in Eindhoven on Tuesday.
Koeman’s facet final misplaced a match in March 2025, dropping on penalties to Spain within the Nations League quarter-finals, whereas their final defeat in 90 minutes got here towards Germany in October 2024.