Memphis Depay is one of the best players in Europe. The dutch international is pretty underrated, given the massive set of skills and qualities he possesses. Depay was the top scorer for a pretty worn-out Barcelona side last season. But succeeding at the club was the dream he always wanted. Memphis joined Barcelona as a free agent with Ronald Koeman stressing his signing. It was pretty clear why Koeman wanted such a decisive player in his ranks. He already managed Depay in the National team and did not need much advice from anyone on signing him.
Xavi has always rated Depay pretty high. But he rates the other players much higher. Such is the quality of this Barcelona team now that even a player like Depay is mostly on the bench. The likes of Dembele, Lewandowski, and Raphinha have been unreal and that poses a real headache for Xavi. It is quite clear that Memphis wants regular game time under Xavi but it seems very difficult. He has started some matches but that is about it really. Most of the time, Depay comes off the bench which makes it possible to rest Lewy, Fati, and others. But his quality seems too good to waste it on the bench.
The dutchman had offers from other clubs this summer and was just an inch away from leaving. Juventus had agreed to a contract with him and Barcelona were ready to terminate his contract. But last-minute issues did not make a move possible. In the end, Depay decided to stay and fight for his place at his beloved club. And no one can doubt that he has not worked hard to start for Barcelona. But, Xavi’s style of playing is much more complex for Depay as he is not an out-and-out winger. Depay is much more central and can play as an inward striker. That clearly does not fascinate Xavi, who needs wingers like Dembele and Raphinha in his system.
A season to Bounce Back for Barcelona
It feels so long since Barcelona won a major title. It was not until Lionel Messi used to bail them out of impossible situations time after time. But now things have taken a massive turn. Barcelona have a squad that is capable of beating the best. They have got the right amount of experience with young talent and world-class quality all over the pitch. Xavi has managed to gather a squad like no other. Starters like Lewandowski, Dembele, and Raphinha with Depay, Fati, and Ferran coming off the bench, most teams do not even have these many attackers.
This can be the season when Barcelona can finally announce that they are back to being the scary team they once were. They are dismantling teams in La Liga right now and have scored the most amount of goals. They have also conceded the least goals which was a rare thing for so many seasons. But surely, no team will make it easy for them with Real Madrid, Manchester City, and PSG all bolstered this season. But it is the Catalans who can make a statement this season with Xavi guiding them.
Follow us on Twitter for more Football News.
