In an interview with Dutch newspaper Telegraph, Dutch national team manager Ronald Koeman spoke highly of his team's striker Memphis Depay and elaborated on his importance in the team's tactical system.
Koeman began by emphasizing Depay's unique value as a striker: "Depay is my striker, a striker who can play." He further explained that in the match against Turkey, although the team chose to field both Depay and Weghorst in the second half, it was not a routine operation, but an expedient one based on the match situation. Koeman admitted that he originally preferred to use three midfielders, but since the team was behind and needed to control the ball while the opponent was adopting a defensive strategy, he had to adjust his tactics and push Depay up front.
Koeman is confident in Depay's ability and believes there is room for improvement, "Depay can be better, but it's also about the others, he's part of the team." He pointed out that the understanding and cooperation between players is crucial for Depay's play. Sometimes, teammates will choose to pass the ball to Depay in difficult situations, which is both a recognition of his ability and trust in him as the core of the team.
For Depay's role in the team, Koeman has a clear understanding and planning. He admitted that he would sometimes ask Depay to form a closer link with his teammates as a deeper striker like he did at Atletico Madrid. This tactical requirement not only tests Depay's offensive ability, but also requires him to have excellent defensive awareness and running ability. However, Koeman is confident that Depay will be able to fulfill this role and has faith in his future as a striker.
Looking ahead, Koeman said the team needs players with extra ability like Depay to step up against stronger teams. He specifically mentioned the upcoming semi-final against England: "Weghorst is clearly better than Depay in games when you are behind. But against England? Depay is fine, so is Weghorst, and so is a combination of the two." Koeman's words show his ability to flexibly deploy the team's lineup, but also express his full trust in key players such as Depay and Weghorst.
Finally, Koeman re-emphasized his unwavering support for Depay: "I think he deserves that trust. The Koeman of the past wouldn't have failed to pick Depay, and that has nothing to do with the me of ten years ago." This statement is not only a recognition of Depay's individual ability, but also an expectation that the entire team will be united and move forward together.
