Memphis Depay (Part 2)

On 7 May 2015, PSV Eindhoven confirmed that they had reached an agreement with Manchester United for the transfer of Memphis Depay, pending a medical examination. Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal revealed that the club was compelled to accelerate the signing process due to interest from Paris Saint-Germain. Although Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers denied pursuing Memphis, PSV director Marcel Brands disclosed discussions with Liverpool regarding a potential transfer. On 12 June, Manchester United officially announced the signing of Memphis for a reported fee of £25 million, securing his services on a four-year contract with an option for an additional year. Memphis was presented as a Manchester United player during a press conference on 10 July, becoming the fourth player to join United from PSV Eindhoven after Jaap Stam, Park Ji-sung, and Ruud van Nistelrooy.


Memphis made his debut for Manchester United in a pre-season friendly against Club América in Seattle on 17 July, featuring in the first half as United fielded different lineups for each 45-minute period. Four days later, he scored his first goal for the club during a 3–1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes. In the aftermath of Ángel Di María's departure, Memphis requested to wear the iconic number 7 shirt, previously donned by legendary players such as George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo.


Memphis made his Premier League debut for Manchester United on 8 August in a 1–0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. He was substituted after 68 minutes, with Van Gaal expressing his concerns about Memphis's overeagerness during the match. On 18 August, Memphis scored his first two goals for Manchester United and provided an assist in a 3–1 home victory over Club Brugge in the first leg of the Champions League play-offs. Despite initial success, Memphis faced challenges adapting to the demands of the Premier League, citing the rigorous schedule and high level of competition. His struggles were exacerbated by public criticism from assistant manager Ryan Giggs, who attributed Memphis's poor form to his extravagant lifestyle.


Despite being dropped from the starting lineup for several matches, Memphis seized an opportunity as a second striker in a 2–1 away win over Watford, scoring his second league goal and earning praise from Van Gaal. He continued to demonstrate glimpses of his talent, particularly in Europa League matches against Midtjylland, where he scored and provided assists. However, his playing time dwindled during the 2016–17 season, making only four substitute appearances in the Premier League and starting just one match in the EFL Cup. Memphis's last appearance for Manchester United came in a Europa League victory against Feyenoord on 24 November 2016.


Memphis Depay signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with French club Lyon, extending his stay until the summer of 2021. The initial transfer fee was reported to be around £16–17 million, with potential add-ons increasing it to £22 million, contingent on Lyon's qualification for the UEFA Champions League and Memphis securing a new contract. The agreement also included buy-back and sell-on clauses for Manchester United.
Two days later, Memphis made his debut for Lyon as a substitute in the 79th minute of a home Ligue 1 match against Marseille, which Lyon won 3–1. He earned his first start for Lyon on 28 January in a 2–1 league defeat to Lille.


Memphis scored a remarkable goal from close to the halfway line in a game against Toulouse, a moment he described as "the goal of my life." However, he distanced himself from comparisons to David Beckham's famous halfway line goal against Wimbledon in 1996.
In the final match of the 2017–18 season, Memphis scored a hat-trick against Nice, helping Lyon secure a 3–2 victory and qualification for the Champions League.
During the 2019–20 Champions League campaign, Memphis continued his prolific form, scoring in four consecutive games against Benfica and RB Leipzig. However, his season was cut short when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament while playing against Rennes in Ligue 1. Despite the injury, Memphis returned to action and started for Lyon in their French league cup final loss against Paris Saint-Germain.


Memphis scored in his sixth consecutive Champions League match, converting a penalty in a 2–1 loss to Juventus in the round of 16 tie. Lyon progressed to the semi-finals, eventually reaching the last four for the second time in their history.
Memphis began the 2020–21 season in impressive fashion, scoring a hat-trick in Lyon's 4–1 victory against Dijon on 28 August 2020.
Memphis Depay made his international debut for the Netherlands on 15 October 2013, appearing as a substitute in the last minute of a 2–0 away victory against Turkey in a World Cup qualification match. His impact on the international stage was notable during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where he became the youngest Dutchman to score a goal at the tournament at the age of 20 years and four months. He scored crucial goals against Australia and Chile during the group stage, helping the Netherlands secure victories and advance to the knockout rounds.


Following his impressive performances at the World Cup, Memphis was named on the three-man shortlist for the tournament's Best Young Player award, although he ultimately lost out to France's Paul Pogba.
Despite some ups and downs in his international career, including disciplinary issues and being dropped from the squad on occasion, Memphis has remained a key figure for the Netherlands. He scored his first international hat-trick in a 2022 World Cup qualification match against Turkey, and he has continued to contribute goals for his country.
In Euro 2020, Memphis scored twice for the Netherlands as they reached the round of 16 stage before being eliminated by the Czech Republic. He has also been instrumental in the UEFA Nations League, scoring crucial goals for his team, including a last-minute winner against Wales.


Memphis's goal-scoring prowess has earned him a place among the top scorers for the Netherlands national team. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he further solidified his status by becoming the second all-time top scorer for his country with 43 goals, behind only Robin Van Persie.
Memphis Depay has been described as a talented and determined player with a unique skill set. Early in his career, he was noted for his intensity and has since sought the guidance of a life coach to improve his mentality. Known for his fierce striking ability with his right foot, Memphis often operates as an inverted left winger, cutting inside to unleash powerful shots on goal. His pace and trickery make him a challenging opponent for defenders, with his direct running style posing threats to opposition backlines.


Despite his strengths, Memphis has faced criticism for being perceived as a ball-hog, often taking many shots without necessarily providing a high rate of assists. However, he is also recognized for his proficiency in free-kicks. During the 2014–15 season, he was statistically the best set-piece taker in Europe, showcasing his accuracy and ability to score from dead-ball situations.
Former Dutch international and manager Ronald Koeman acknowledges Memphis's talent but emphasizes the importance of continued personal development, particularly in adapting to the physicality and mental demands of the Premier League. Others, like former Wigan Athletic and Portsmouth defender Arjan de Zeeuw, praise Memphis's skills and potential, highlighting his strength, speed, and technical abilities.

References

1.  "Club Atlético de Madrid - Welcome, Memphis!". Club Atlético de Madrid. 20 January 2023. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
2. ^ "Atleti complete signing of Memphis from Barca". ESPN. 20 January 2023. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
3. ^ "Memphis signs the victory in Balaídos". Atlético de Madrid. 12 February 2023.
4. ^ "Atletico beat Inter on penalties to reach Champions League quarters". France 24. 14 March 2024.
5. ^ "Jeugd mannen onder 15 Uitslagen". onsoranje.nl. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
6. ^ "Memphis Depay Jeugd mannen onder 16". onsoranje.nl. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
7. ^ "Memphis Depay Jeugd mannen onder 17". onsoranje.nl. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
8. ^ "Memphis Depay Jeugd mannen onder 19". onsoranje.nl. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
9. ^ "Memphis Depay Jong Oranje". onsoranje.nl. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
10. a b "Netherlands see off all comers in Serbia". UEFA. 15 May 2011. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
11. ^ Tozar, Türker (15 October 2013). "Dutch double ends Turkey hopes". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. Retrieved 26 April 2015.
12. ^ "Van Gaal names Netherlands World Cup squad". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 31 May 2014. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
13. ^ "Oranje Edge Five Goal Thriller". FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 18 June 2014. Archived from the original on 20 June 2014. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
14. ^ "Memphis the hero for Oranje". FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 19 June 2014. Archived from the original on 22 June 2014. Retrieved 26 July 2015.