- 18 Nov 2024
Memphis Depay could be a great player for Barcelona – De Boer
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 19 May 2021 15:42 BST
- 2 min read
Lyon attacker Memphis Depay’s potential move to Barcelona has been given the thumbs up by Netherlands boss Ronald de Boer.
Depay has been closely linked with the Camp Nou side since the summer, and particularly since Ronald Koeman took the reins of the club.
The coach has, however, since hinted that it could be a difficult move to complete this January. Additionally, Lyon have insisted that Depay will not depart the club until his contract expires at the end of the season.
De Boer, who turned out for Barca in the 1999-2000 season, says that is a move that could suit all parties.
Depay more Suarez than Griezmann – De Boer
“If his head is right, he can be a great player for Barca,” he told Radio Marca. “He looks more like Luis Suarez than Antoine Griezmann, but he is technically better. He is a real team player.
“With his strength and his technique, he can surprise you at any minute.”
Meanwhile, De Boer commented on Antoine Griezmann’s situation at his former club, where the Frenchman is struggling to find his best form.
“Koeman is still looking for the best version of him. But Griezmann is not a forward, he has to play in a band,” De Boer said.
Barcelona currently lie eighth in the Primera Division standings, but De Boer says there is no reason to panic.
“Barca are in transition,” he pointed out. “Players, fans and management have to understand this takes time.
“I have a lot of confidence in Koeman and his quality as a coach, but he needs time. The Dutch are blunt and I think Barca need that, direct as Koeman is.”
De Boer’s Netherlands side host Spain in a friendly on Wednesday before Nations League matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina then Poland.
