Gloomy outlook: Ronald Koeman doubtful on Memphis Depay's Netherlands involvement

Memphis Depay was substituted early in Corinthians' Serie A clash with Flamengo, seemingly owing to thigh unease. The Netherlands' leading goalscorer had been nursing a knee issue, yet he received a spot in the Oranje lineup for the international friendlies.

Following this fresh injury concern, Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman remains pessimistic regarding Depay's prospects of featuring for the national side this month.

"He might still join us, but it doesn’t look good. We might bring him in later, perhaps for the second match. But if that’s not feasible, then there’s no need."

Donyell Malen stands out as possibly the sharpest Dutch forward currently, netting 7 goals across his most recent 9 outings for AS Roma. Koeman has no plans to confine the Aston Villa loanee to just one role, though.

"I already knew he was very good as a striker; that’s how he made his debut under me. At the time, he was playing up front for PSV. He’s quick and a good finisher. But he’s also shown us that he can fill the role on the right wing very well. So those are the two positions he needs to focus on."

With Malen, Brian Brobbey, and Wout Weghorst continuing in the group, Koeman stated he sees no point in adding a stand-in should Depay withdraw: "I wouldn't know who (to call up). The strikers on the list are well known. But they might not be as fit as I would like them to be."

'He's making fantastic progress'

The player drawing Koeman's positivity is Kees Smit. This 20-year-old AZ prospect earned his initial national team summons last week, and Koeman anticipates evaluating the emerging midfielder closely, having observed him over time.

"I’d like to see him in the match too. I’ve given it some thought before. This is the final international break before we have to make our final squad, so I want to see him with the group. I’d advise him to keep his eyes and ears open, be happy, and show it. And just be himself. He seems like that sort of person to me. It’s nerve-wracking for him, so we’ll see how he holds his own."

Noa Lang, sidelined by an odd thumb mishap in last week's UEFA Champions League encounter between Galatasaray and Liverpool, has been selected as well, although Koeman intends to proceed carefully with the wide player: "We’ll see how it goes. He’ll have to wait and see, too."

Crystencio Summerville, a prominent figure at West Ham, has lingered on Koeman's radar for quite some time. The wide man has appeared in prior provisional squads, and even without a full Oranje cap to date, Koeman recognises the value in Summerville.

"He was set to be called up for this international break. If he stays fit, I see him more as a squad player than the young prospects we’ve given a chance in the past. He also plays in a position, on the right, where we don’t have much depth. And based on our assessment, he’s making fantastic progress."

The Netherlands will take on Norway in a friendly on March 27th and Ecuador on March 31st.

Explore the entire Netherlands roster in our piece HERE >