Memphis Depay celebrates his goal for FC Barcelona that earned a draw against Athletic de Bilbao at the Estadio San Mames on Saturday. (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Can Dutch International answer a few of the Blaugrana’s problems?
Barcelona have had a torrid summer, losing arguably the best player in the world and their forever talisman in Lionel Messi and going through financial issues so deep they didn’t know if they’d be able to register any players before the season started.
Just before the season began – thanks to players like Gerard Pique taking wage cuts – Barcelona managed to register new signings, including Dutch forward Memphis Depay.
The mercurial attacking player is known for his strength, pace, and powerful finishing. Since an indifferent time at Manchester United, Memphis has moved from winger to striker, and become a leader in doing so.
Memphis rose to new heights
In his time at French club Lyon, Memphis scored 76 goals in 178 appearances and was heavily responsible for taking them to a Champions League semifinal.
Barcelona are in desperate need of leaders, and though he’s no Messi, Memphis could be exactly what they need right now.
Memphis has developed an underdog mentality, thanks to his testing time in England, and the Dutch forward took Lyon to new heights, creating opportunities out of nothing and barging goals in.
@Memphis‘s first official goal for Barça was a left-footed blast to tie the game in the 75th pic.twitter.com/N1M9CjjTN1
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 21, 2021
Depay’s size and strength is very clear in his physical appearance, and to have him run at players and create goals and opportunities is just what the Blaugrana need. It won’t be the pretty Barcelona way, but it will get results and give them a chance.
Barcelona got off to an okay start, beating Real Sociedad 4-2, then drawing 1-1 against Athletic Bilbao in a game where they struggled until Memphis came up with his goal.
The Bilbao game is a prime example of why the Catalonia side will crave players like Memphis who can pull them out of a hole.
The Dutch player could be their best pick-up of the summer and could arguably make Barça’s year a lot better than how it once looked to be going.
