Wijnaldum goes crazy for Memphis Depay

Memphis Depay has come in for huge praise from Netherlands team-mate Georginio Wijnaldum during the international break.

Wijnaldum, who came close to joining Memphis at Barca this summer, has spoken about just how crucial the forward is to the national team.

Memphis has seven goals and four assists for the Oranje in World Cup qualifying so far, and Wijnaldum says he’s vital to the team’s success.

“Memphis is a great player. I think the team is doing so well because of Memphis,” he said.

“Personally, I think I’m doing so well because he’s that good that our opponents are constantly having to keep an eye on him. This creates space for me, for other midfielders.

“He makes the players around him better. He’s a striker now but he does much more than score goals – he makes things happen, he gets assists. We’re very lucky to have him.”

Source | FIFA

The Barcelona forward picked up an assist last time out in the 1-0 win over Latvia to keep Louis van Gaal’s side top of Group G after seven games. The Netherlands play again on Monday against Gibraltar.