Memphis Depay’s super start to 2021/22 continues with brace for Netherlands

Euan McTear
  • 5 Sep 2021 02:04 CDT
  • 3 min read
Memphis Depay celebrates in Netherlands' 4-0 World Cup qualifying win over Montenegro
© ProShots

He may have only played three official matches for his new club, but Memphis Depay is already delighting Barcelona fans. The 27-year-old is the silver lining to what was a difficult summer for the Catalan club, having arrived to take over as leader of the Barcelona attack from Lionel Messi and having hit the ground running. After two goals and an assist across his first three official Barca appearances, Memphis added two more goals in the Netherlands’ 4-0 victory over Montenegro on Saturday night.

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Memphis was the star man at the Philips Stadion, scoring the first goal of the night from the penalty spot and then doubling the Dutch lead in the second half by drilling a low strike into the bottom corner. The Netherlands went on to complete a 4-0 victory in their World Cup qualification campaign, with their Barcelona forward the star man.

A brilliant Barcelona beginning for Memphis

Following the disappointment of the Netherlands’ Euro 2020 exit at the hands of the Czech Republic, Memphis has responded with several excellent performances in a row. Even in Barcelona’s pre-season, he scored against Girona, Stuttgart and Juventus.

Once the LaLiga Santander season got under way, Memphis delivered a perfect freekick to assist Gerard Pique for the first goal of the Blaugrana’s post-Messi era, kicking off a 4-2 victory over Real Sociedad. He then scored the equaliser for a 1-1 draw at Athletic Club, before firing in the winner in the 2-1 victory over Getafe.

Including the pre-season friendly goals and his national team performances, Memphis has seven goals from nine appearances since Euro 2020. He often starts new seasons well, but few Barcelona fans would have expected such a scintillating start.

With Bayern Munich in the Champions League just around the corner, Barca fans will hope that Memphis can keep this form going.

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