Ronald Koeman has helped revamp Netherlands fortune
#1 Memphis Depay and Ryan Babel leading Netherlands' charge
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Memphis Depay has been spectacular for the Netherlands
Memphis Depay emerged as a prodigy with his displays at PSV, but he failed to step up to the plate following a big money transfer to Manchester United in 2015.
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The 25-year-old has however found a new lease of life following his transfer to Lyon, and he has re-established himself as an integral member of Netherlands' revival under Ronald Koeman.
Depay has displayed all the traits which made him a household name at PSV throughout Holland's qualification campaign as well as the Nations League, weighing in with a massive seven assists and four goals from just four qualification fixtures.
7 - @Memphis is the first player with seven assists in a single year for the Netherlands since Rafael van der Vaart in 2010. Provider.
In the game against Estonia, Memphis Depay assisted Ryan Babel for his second goal while also getting a well deserved goal after 76 minutes before setting Gini Wijnaldum up for the icing on the cake in the 87th minute.
For his part, with his brace against Estonia, Ryan Babel became the player with the third longest distance between his first and most recent goals for Netherlands after Abe Lenstra and Faas Wilkes, and despite the fact that he would turn 33 in December, the Galatasaray forward continues to prove his usefulness for his team.
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5280 - Only Abe Lenstra & Faas Wilkes have more days between their first and most recent Netherlands goal than Ryan Babel after his goal against Estonia. Longevity. pic.twitter.com/v9Gcp1LIIV
With these two in the form they're in, you can count on them delivering for Netherlands to take their country to the promised land.
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About the author
Ume Elvis
Elvis is a seasoned football journalist and has been with Sportskeeda for more than 6 years. He specializes in writing match previews across several leagues and competitions around the world, and his insightful tips have amassed a total readership in excess of 9.2 million till date. Elvis' meticulous attention to detail and strictly following SK's editorial guidelines have been key to achieving a vast readership. He has also exclusively covered the 2021 Nigerian Universiy Games and has provided research for an upcoming biography for a Nigerian football legend.
Elvis has been a Super Eagles fan since 2004, and them beating defending champions Cameroon in the AFCON that year left a lasting impact on him. He supports Sporting Lagos at club level and loves to watch games live at the Onikan Stadium due to its buzzing atmosphere. His favorite football players are former Nigerian forward, Osaze Odemwingie and former Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez.
If Elvis could change one football rule, it would be to not be booked for celebrating with pitch side fans. He believes that football is a passionate game and celebrations should be encouraged to the fullest. When not analyzing the latest previews, Elvis indulges in activities such as swimming, reading, and karaoke.