Memphis and De Jong Ready to Lead Netherlands Against Spain as Koeman Praises Kluivert

The Netherlands will have Memphis Depay leading their forward line and Frenkie de Jong anchoring the midfield in Thursday’s Nations League quarter-final against Spain in Rotterdam, as confirmed by coach Ronald Koeman ahead of the first-leg encounter.

At 31 years of age, Memphis is just five goals shy of becoming his nation’s all-time leading scorer, though he has not represented the Dutch side since the European Championship last year.

After his contract with LaLiga outfit Atletico Madrid expired at the end of last season, he remained without a club until he signed with Brazilian side Corinthians in October.

Last month, Koeman took the opportunity to observe him play for the São Paulo club before including him back in the squad.

“Seeing Memphis in Brazil and how he has integrated back into the squad, looking fresh in training, certainly boosts my confidence for tomorrow,” Koeman stated at a press conference on Wednesday.

“In terms of fitness, he is in better shape than he was leading up to the European Championship.”

Thursday marks Memphis’ 99th international appearance, with the forward having netted 46 goals for his national team.

De Jong, who was ill over the weekend and missed Barcelona’s 4-2 victory against Atletico in LaLiga, has now fully recovered.

The 27-year-old midfielder expressed his readiness to play, although there have been lingering concerns regarding his ankle injury that sidelined him for Euro 2024.

“I feel ready to play a full match, we’ll see how it goes tomorrow,” he mentioned during the press conference.

“I’m completely recovered now, and my ankle is no longer an issue,” De Jong added.

Also anticipated to feature is Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert, who made a return to the Dutch squad last November after a six-year hiatus.

“I’ve always had faith in his abilities, although he has made some unconventional choices throughout his career,” Koeman remarked.

“Justin has made significant strides in various areas, particularly in his ability to handle the intensity of the game. Succeeding in the Premier League is a significant milestone in his development,” the coach concluded.