Ronald Koeman has confirmed that Memphis Depay will lead the border for the Netherlands in the first stage of their quarterfinals of the Nations League with Spain on Thursday.
Since the European Championships last summer, Depay has no to see for the Netherlands, a tournament where he scored only one goal in his six starts in Germany.
The 31-year-old has been without a club since said goodbye to the manners of Atletico Madrid after a season in the Spanish capital and joined the Brazilian side Corinthians last September.
Depay has scored nine goals and registered 11 assists in 29 performances in all competitions, which gives him a recall for the national team where he is close to writing history.
The former Manchester United Forward is only five goals away from the top scorer in the Netherlands, with Robin van Persie (50) currently at the top.
When he collides with Spain in both legs of their quarterfinals, he also becomes the ninth Dutch player who makes 100 performances for his country.
Koeman traveled to Brazil to look at Depay in action before confirming his newest team, and believes that the attacker is now back to his very best.
“The way I saw Memphis in Brazil and the way I see him now, how he came in and how fresh he looks in training, gives me confidence for tomorrow,” said Koeman.
“In terms of fitness, he is fitter in the run -up to the European championship.”
Boa Noite! #Nothinglikeoranje #nationsleague pic.twitter.com/1z462ILB2M
– Onsoranje (@onsoranje) March 18, 2025
Koeman was also able to reveal that Frenkie de Jong would be Barcelona fit to start against Spain after he missed the 4-2 victory of his club over Atletico Madrid with a stomach problem.
De Jong also missed the start of the season with an ankle injury to the side of Hansi Flick, which resulted in his absence before the start of the Nations League campaign in the Netherlands.
The 27-year-old has since recovered from that issue and has made 29 performances in all matches for Barcelona, although there were still questions about his fitness.
“We will see tomorrow, but as far as I'm concerned I can play 90 minutes,” De Jong told the same press conference.
“I am completely fit again, and I no longer have any problems with my ankle.”
Bournemouth's Justin Kluivert is also expected to add this time to his three caps, after he made his international comeback last November after an absence of six years.
Kluivert is in good shape for the Cherries this season and noted 20 targets (13 goals, seven assists) during 32 performances in all competitions.
“I have always believed in his qualities, but he has made a lot of roaming choices in his career,” said Koeman.
“Justin has developed enormously in various aspects. Especially in the intensity of playing.
“If you can keep your own in the Premier League, then that is a great step in your career.”
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