Memphis Depay Back in Orange: Netherlands Banks on Star Power for Spain Clash
Eight months can feel like a lifetime in international football, but Memphis Depay barely skipped a beat. Now, at 31, the Corinthians striker is back in the orange shirt for the Netherlands, just as the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals loom against Spain. Ronald Koeman didn’t hesitate to recall his experienced forward, who last played for the national side in the Euro 2024 semifinals—another high-pressure occasion lost only to England.
Depay isn’t just any veteran coming back for a swan song. He’s sitting at 98 caps and—maybe more importantly—he’s just four goals from outpacing Robin van Persie as the Netherlands’ all-time top scorer. With 46 in the bag, every game counts, and the upcoming pair of clashes offers a golden chance to chip away at Van Persie’s record. The pressure’s real, but Depay’s never been shy of the spotlight.
The rest of the squad sees plenty of shuffling. Injuries are giving Koeman headaches, with defenders Nathan Aké of Manchester City and Inter’s Stefan de Vrij missing from the lineup. Looking for steel at the back, Koeman’s turned to Manchester United’s Matthijs de Ligt, who gets another shot in the heart of defense. There’s a similar revival story in midfield: Ajax’s Kenneth Taylor is back after a stretch on the national team sidelines stretching all the way back to March 2023.
The Stage is Set: Netherlands vs. Spain, Leg by Leg
Everything kicks off at De Kuip in Rotterdam on March 20, with the second leg fired up at the Mestalla in Valencia just three days later. Koeman’s men aren’t taking this lightly—not with Spain holding the European champion bragging rights. The importance of Depay’s return can’t really be overstated. The Dutch squad, still licking wounds from Euro disappointment, wants redemption, and having a Memphis Depay-led attack gives them a genuine edge.
The tactical battle will be fierce. Spain’s slick possession style meets a Dutch team balancing youth and experience. Without Aké and De Vrij at the back, all eyes will be on De Ligt—can he marshal the defense? Meanwhile, Taylor will try to bring some creativity and energy to the midfield battles, helping keep the Spaniards honest.
Depay’s spotlight moment actually arrived in the second leg, where he found the net and leveled things after Spain opened the scoring. In so many ways, that goal felt like vintage Depay—always finding a way through in the big games, just when the Netherlands needs him most. The tie’s outcome hinges on moments like these. Get it wrong, and it’s a long summer; get it right, and they’re off to face heavyweights like Croatia or France in the semifinals come June 5th. No pressure.
- Depay chasing history with every match—four goals to go for the all-time Dutch record.
- Koeman’s side dealing with injuries but boosted by smart call-ups like De Ligt and Taylor.
- A direct showdown with Spain, two legs, and more than just a Nations League semifinal spot in the balance.
- Winner faces Croatia or France, making every minute on the pitch crucial.
The big games rarely go by the script, but with Depay back in the frame and a hungry squad behind him, Dutch fans have every reason to dream of a deep run.