Memphis Depay is still very much a talismanic figure for the Netherlands. Top scorer in the squad with 28 goals, he was involved in all his side’s efforts against Austria and northern Macedonia when the Dutch won UEFA EURO 2020 Group C with one game left.
The 27-year-old forward spoke to EURO2020.com about everything from his role on and off the pitch to his recovery from a knee injury in the cruciate ligament and his thoughts on Orange’s chances to go all the way.
What were your group game highlights?
The opening game [against Ukraine], of course, with the exciting finale. Our first three points; a home game with your own fans; the atmosphere of the arena after not playing in a tournament for so long; new, young players get a chance – and the feeling of starting to grow into the tournament. So many amazing things.
How do you see your role in this team?
I try to use the qualities I have to create chances. If you get the opportunity to score goals, you sometimes and sometimes do not succeed. If you do it regularly, you will be important to the team. But it is also very important that we can still be effective even if I am not involved. You see it, for example, Denzel [Dumfries] is really dangerous. It is fantastic.
Can you help your younger teammates?
I think so. I have a good relationship with the younger players but also with the older ones. I’m in the middle. When it’s the older players against the younger ones in training, I’m still with the youngsters because I only turned 27 in February. But when I look at guys like Ryan [Gravenberch], who is 19, and Jurriën [Timber] and Cody [Gakpo], they are young.
Depay celebrates with Ryan Gravenberch in a friendly / ANP Sport / Getty Images
I was at [the FIFA World Cup] 2014 and I was the same. So I know a little bit about how they feel. We also have the same interests, such as music and that we want to be the best, which makes it easy to socialize even off the field.
What effect has your most recent knee injury had on you?
First of all, you realize that your health is the most important thing of all, no matter what. It keeps me focused. It helps me deal with disappointment when I did not play as well as I hoped or after losing a match. At the same time, you are really learning your own body. You know how to feel before a match. It’s really useful to me. And I have to say, being so fit now and being able to make a difference, it’s amazing.
Together you and Georginio Wijnaldum have scored 53 goals for Oranje; how do you explain that?
Retire with Gini Wijnaldum / BSR Agency / Getty Images
Gini has a great goal-scoring ability and running ability. And he knows when to be in the box. It is very important for the team. Of course I have played with him before, at PSV Eindhoven, so we know each other very well.
What do you think about taking on the Czech Republic?
I know they are very intense. I have not received them for a while – I think 2015 was the last time for me. They have never been an easy team to play against, so we know it will be tough. We have to give 100% if we want to win. We plan to do that, but it will certainly not be an easy sailing.
Do you have a feeling that this could be your year?
That’s logical [that people say that] when your results are good in a tournament. But I keep saying we have to take it one game at a time. Of course we have big dreams and that’s good. Still, it is important to focus only on the next game. We did it in the group phase and we do it now. Nothing has changed for me.
