Koeman says that Depay should get through the coming weeks well before the World Cup opener

The selection of Memphis Depay for the Dutch World Cup squad was always on the agenda, but the country’s top scorer must now prove himself in the coming weeks before the tournament starts, coach Ronald Koeman said.

The 32-year-old Depay, whose 55 goals in 108 appearances make him the Dutch national team’s most successful striker, was named by Koeman in the 26-man squad for the final on Wednesday, despite making just two substitute appearances for his Brazilian club Corinthians in the past two months.

Half of those minutes were for struggling Corinthians this weekend, but Koeman said Depay had told him he would start Wednesday’s Copa Libertadores match at home to Argentina’s Platense.

«I would have preferred if he had played minutes earlier. But in April I didn’t know when he would be able to play minutes again. He can be an asset, just like Jurrien Timber,» the Dutch coach told a press conference after his team was released.

«I chose Memphis because of who he still is. I don’t see anyone else in that position who can do it. I believe he can be an asset, but he has to get through the coming period well,» said the coach.

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«We have two friendlies. If he is where I think he should be, then he can start. If he isn’t, then he won’t start. I know he can also play the role of backup.»

The Dutch will warm up for the World Cup, hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, against Algeria and Uzbekistan before their opening Group F match against Japan in Dallas on June 14.

Arsenal defender Timber is another player who needs game time after a groin injury has kept him out since March.

«We have Ian Maatsen and Lutsharel Geertruida on the standby list for Timber. The situation with him is that he would train with Arsenal today, to be assessed for next weekend. They have the Champions League final on Saturday. It remains to be seen whether he will be fit for that match,» said Koeman.

Published on May 27, 2026