Memphis Depay showed that there is life after Lionel Messi, as his performance vs Juventus on Sunday night showed he could be the man to replace the club legend.
It certainly leaves Ronald Koeman having to think of a new way of winning games, considering the incredible reliance the team has had on their all time top scorer in recent years.
One man who could provide that extra spark is Depay. The Netherlands forward signed from Lyon this summer and against Juventus his performance suggested he’s ready to step up.
The 27-year-old scored the opening goal in the Joan Gamper Trophy game, and assisted the second, as the hosts beat their Italian hosts 3-0, and his highlights reel shows how good he was.
:movie_camera: ‘ Memphis Depay vs. Juventus
Great game from the new signing with 1 goal and an assist. He had a great pre-season with Barcelona. Excited to see what he can do in La Liga
– :flag_nl: (@FDJChief) August 8, 2021
Memphis Depay out there showing Ronaldo levels and making Messi proud, lovely to see. :heart_eyes:
– Kobby Founda:flag_gh: (@Founda_) August 8, 2021
Memphis Depay out there showing Ronaldo levels and making Messi proud, lovely to see. :heart_eyes:
– Kobby Founda:flag_gh: (@Founda_) August 8, 2021
Depay, along with Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia, face the same issues that led to Messi leaving the club because of financial restraints in the first place.
If they are allowed to play, then the Dutchman will instantly become important to Koeman, especially with Aguero out for 10 weeks with injury and 18-year-old Ansu Fati having only just returned to training following his long term injury.
Barca’s other great hope is Pedri, the teenage midfielder played 73 games for Barca and the Spain national team over the past season, which stretched into Euro 2020 and the Olympics.
The former Las Palmas player looked knackered as Spain reached the final in Tokyo last Sunday, and eventually lost in extra time to Brazil, but he is set to be back in training on Wednesday. No rest for the wicked!