Memphis Depay was the one who eventually decided to continue at Barcelona in the summer. Now, he wants to make things difficult for his coach, Xavi Hernández. Moreover, he’s sure that he can be useful this season.
His attitude is irreproachable in training and that is why Xavi gave him another chance in the league against Elche on Saturday. It was his second start after Cádiz a week ago and the Dutchman responded with a goal and a performance that allows him to remain an option for Xavi when needed.
Good performance vs Elche
It’s wasn’t a perfect match for Memphis. At times Memphis showed some anxiety, but the Dutchman was intense in his pressing and never shied away from the battle with his marker, the Colombian Palacios.
It was difficult for him to get into the game. But he began to show signs of life in attack with a pass to Lewandowski in the 13th minute and an attempt to assist the Pole when he took a free kick three minutes later.
He always offered himself and as a result of his perseverance, he began to create dangerous situations. In the 19th minute, he could not take advantage of a one-on-one with Edgar Badía in front of the by-line and five minutes later the Elche goalkeeper pushed a shot of his from six yards wide for a corner.
Memphis intervened directly or indirectly in all Barça’s. For the 1-0, he did not reach by millimeters Balde’s cross from the left, which Lewandowski turned into the back of the net. And shortly before the break, he brought out his goalscoring instinct in a spin and finish that made it 2-0.
Memphis controlled a pass from Balde with his back to the goal and got rid of an opponent stepping on the ball while turning around to shoot past Badía with a powerful strike that found the roof of the net.
Memphis also intervened decisively in the 3-0. His pressure caused the fumble of the Elche goalkeeper, with Lewandowski scoring the rebound.
The Dutchman rounded off his performance with a header from a cross from Dembélé (57 ‘) that went too wide. Two minutes later, Xavi replaced him with Ansu Fati.
