New Challenge Awaits Eredivisie Star
Personal information
Full name: Memphis Depay
Date of birth: 13 February 1994
Age: 21
Place of birth: Moordrecht, Netherlands
Height: 1.76 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 in)
Playing position: Winger
Club information
Current team: Manchester United
Youth career
2000–2003: VV Moordrecht
2003–2006: Sparta Rotterdam
2006–2011: PSV Eindhoven
Senior career
2011–2015: PSV Eindhoven 124 Appearances, 50 goals
2015– Manchester United 0 Appearances, goals
National team
2008–2009 Netherlands U154 Appearances, 2 goals
2009 Netherlands U16 6 Appearances, 2 goals
2010–2011 Netherlands U1717 Appearances, 8 goals
2011–2013 Netherlands U19 7 Appearances, 8 goals
2013– Netherlands U21 7 Appearances, 0 goals
2013– Netherlands 17 Appearances, 3 goals
“I always say; Dream, Believe, Achieve. I was dreaming and believing of becoming the champions of the Eredivisie with PSV and we achieved it. I’m extremely grateful towards PSV and all the fans for believing in me. Now it’s time to set my goals again on winning trophies with Manchester United.” Those were the words of Memphis Depay following the £25 million transfer of the Dutch international from PSV to Man United. Depay is highly rated and as an attacking force, has the potential to be a superstar.
Depay joined PSV’s youth team in 2006 and rose through the ranks before graduating to the first team. After signing his first professional contract in 2012, he made his breakthrough during the 2013-14 season when PSV finished fourth in the Dutch league. Depay then became one of the most sought-after players in Europe following an excellent season with the Dutch champions. Paris St Germain and Liverpool were said to be interested in the Holland forward, but it was United managed to capture the signing of the talented winger. By signing Depay so early, United not only bagged one of the hottest properties in the game but also got the jump on many of the other Premier League teams as they looked to strengthen for the season. The PSV hierarchy had been braced for Depay’s departure for a while, with Marcel Brands, the club’s director, conceding in April that they would be unlikely to keep their star man past the summer. Manager Phillip Cocu reportedly told the other PSV players that Depay was set to depart before the official announcement. It looks to be a good deal for both sides, with United getting their man and PSV picking up a hefty transfer fee for one of their young talents. At 21, Depay is an investment in the future and he will delight United supporters brought up on Cristiano Ronaldo – powerful, goal-hungry wingers. Van Gaal handed Depay his international debut against Turkey in October 2013 and took him to last year’s World Cup, where was one of the stars, and after a spectacular performance against Spain; the 21 year old started getting more attention than usual.
Many wingers are quick, others are powerful, but Depay has both qualities in equal measure and he also possesses quick feet and the ability to beat defenders with trickery. Depay is right-footed but plays on the left for the Dutch. His most effective position is on the left side of a front three, although he can also operate as a central striker. Another plus point is his readiness to do his defensive duties and track back, as emphasised by a sliding tackle in his own penalty area in the second-half of one of United’s pre-season friendlies. He looks the full package – and confident enough to score goals just as he did in the Eredivisie last season. It was by far his best campaign at the Dutch giants. The 21-year-old’s goals helped PSV win their first title in seven years, which they wrapped up with three matches to spare. He scored 22 goals in PSV’s title-winning campaign and Van Gaal will hope he can replicate the same electrifying form at United.
Depay is already off the mark with the Red Devils, scoring his first goal for the club against San Jose Earthquakes during their 3-1 International Champions Cup win in pre-season, giving the United faithful just a taste of what’s yet to come. All in all, Depay is an exciting addition to the Premier League and another dangerous attacker at Old Trafford.
