Memphis is back on the map

“I was very clear about where to shoot the penalty. And that’s what I’ve done.” Memphis Depay likes that defiant tone that has guided his life since he was abandoned by his father in childhood (hence that tattoo of his grandfather on his left arm). As in the match against Espanyol, Memphis decided to hit to break his penalty. The 1-2 launched Barça into the standings and gave a good dose of morale to the Dutchman, who had been lost for a few months.

In Decemberafter playing absolutely everything with Barça and the Netherlands team, and making a surely excessive effort of those that few later recognize, broke at the Allianz Arena in Munich. An injury to the femoral biceps of his left leg left him out of action until the beginning of January; and he almost butted that problem with another one in the Achilles tendon. A medical team that also coincided with the signings of Ferran, Aubameyang and Adama. Memphis, a signing in addition to Ronald Koeman, seemed to be out of the game between the injury and the additions. That, in addition, the contract ends in June 2023 (he only wanted to sign for two years because he intuited the future of the coach), fueled doubts about his future, even in the winter market. There was speculation with Memphis as a bargaining chip in the Morata operation.

Just a week ago, Memphis came back against Athletic and did it in a big way, with a goal in just ten minutes that he reaffirmed this Sunday with his goal in Elche, where he also caused Barragán’s penalty. In the two games a player full of energy and full of motivation has been seen, who has refused to remain in a limbo without prominence at Barça and now claims a place that, possibly, could be on the left wing. That is where Xavi has placed him in the last two games. The Terrassa coach seems determined to use him as a winger. In his plan, Aubameyang, Ferran and Luuk deJong are the ones destined to play in the nine position.

The decision may favor Memphis, which earlier this season was alone on the attacking front. That weighed on him, especially in the big games, in which he has not been able to score. Without playing a reference, Memphis has seemed more liberated in the two times he has played. Note that responsibilities are shared. That takes the pressure off him compared to the start of the season, where he was Barça’s only hope of a goal. In Elche, Memphis recovered and offered those sensations that fueled hope during the season. At the moment, he continues to be Barça’s top scorer (10 goals in 18 league games) and has put himself back on the map. Xavi could reward him with the title on Thursday against Galatasaray.