Since arriving Old Trafford last summer from PSV for £25million on a 4-year deal, 22-year-old Netherlands international Memphis Depay has cut a forlorn figure at the club having failed to perform up to the expectations.
The winger helped PSV to an Eredivisie title with 22 goals in 30 league appearances during 2014-15, emerging as the highest goal scorer, winning the Johan Cruyff Trophy as a result, and also getting named by France Football as the Best Young Player for 2015.
That great form and potential saw United and a host of other clubs lineup in the summer of 2015 for his services. But following his initial struggles, many have concluded that it might not be possible for Depay to make a successful transition to Premier League football.
In 29 EPL features last term, mostly playing in bit part roles, Depay could only find the back of the net twice, leaving the club wondering if they had done a very bad business signing a player regarded as one of Europe’s most talented youngsters a few months ago.
This was a player touted by many respected managers and journalists as the perfect and right candidate to fill Cristiano Ronaldo’s vacuum at the club, and the management wasted no time handing him the iconic number 7 Jersey when he requested for it.
Heading into this season, Mourinho’s arrival and his demands to have Depay remain at the club, in contrast to being shipped away like many thought offered the player a glimmer of hope, and it was quickly agreed his fortunes could change for good under the Portuguese who waxed lyrical of the player’s talents.
However, after 11 league games, Depay has remained what he was in United’s colours last season – a shadow of his old PSV self. In all the 7 appearances across all competitions afforded him, poor and lost would be the best words to describe his performances.
A transfer away come January is said to be in the offing, with a loan move appearing to be the only thing that could save his dwindling fortunes. However, the winger left many bewildered by his performances during Netherlands’ World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg on Sunday.
Memphis came off the bench to great and instant impact, bagging a brace in the 2nd half and ultimately handing the Dutch team all 3 points in a 3 – 1 victory. With 0% shot accuracy, 0 chances created, 0 goals, 0 assists in the EPL, and a regular spot on the bench, many frowned at his inclusion in the squad for the Netherlands’ team for the qualifiers.
His first goal – a fine header, and the second – a freekick Messi and Ronaldo would applaud, were masterpieces and would remain some of the finest goals of this World Cup qualifiers. He simply surpassed expectations.
Obviously and surprisingly, his quality is still intact, regardless of his club troubles and lack of playing time, and his confidence and fine form would only be restored and maintained with frequent playing time.
There shouldn’t be questions concerning Depay’s ability to ever adapt to Premier League football. Like the former PSV products who came before him (Jaap Stam, Park Ji-Sung and Ruud Van Nistelrooy), the youngster has a very high chance of having a very successful career at the Theatre of Dreams, but he only needs more time to settle and learn the EPL style of play.
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