Former Barcelona striker Neymar has chatted with Memphis Depay and offered some advice for club manager Xavi about the Netherlands international.
The two stars took part in an Instagram Live session on Tuesday, March 1, where Neymar told Xavi why he needs to set up the Dutchman, as revealed by reporter Reshad Rahman.
Memphis returned from injury in Barcelona’s 4-0 win over Athletic last time out in La Liga. The former Lyon player only played the last eight minutes at the Camp Nou but still found the back of the net.
The 28-year-old’s goal was his ninth this season for Barcelona in La Liga. Memphis remains the team’s top scorer so far in the 2021-22 season, ahead of forwards Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Luuk de Jong.
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Memphis spoke up after scoring the last goal in Barcelona’s 4-0 win and admitted he was happy to be back in action for the Catalan giants. The forward hadn’t played since January’s Super Cup defeat by Real Madrid but was happy to finally return, Football Oranje reported.
“I didn’t expect to be out for so long, but I’m glad I’m back,” he said. “The team is in top form. We also have more attackers now. You see immediately what is happening. We score three goals in ten minutes. The winter signings are going very well.”
Memphis also commented on the team’s recently improved form and praised coach Xavi for his influence since taking over. He added: “He changed our training methods. Enemy defenders now suffer when they encounter us.”
Barca stepped up their attack in the January transfer window by signing Ferran Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Adama Traore. The forward line has impressed in recent games, scoring 12 goals in the team’s last 3 games.
The arrival of the new strikers has increased the competition in Barca’s attack and has also fueled speculation about Memphis’ future at the Camp Nou. Serie A club Napoli and former club Lyon have both been linked with the Dutchman.
Xavi was asked about Memphis at a press conference ahead of his comeback against Athletic and insisted the striker remains a key player despite January’s signings.
“There’s more competition across the team, but Memphis will be important to us, as will Clement Lenglet,” he said. “It’s good for me to have more players to choose from and for the players to improve, make sure they give it their all. They are two important players and it will depend on them.”
However, Memphis is only at Barcelona until 2023, meaning the club could consider a summer transfer to avoid losing him on a free transfer next year when his contract expires.
The Dutchman might also want to think about his future at the end of the season as he fights for playing time until the end of the season, especially as the Catalans continue to be linked with a big swap for Erling Haaland.
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