Memphis Depay arrived in the January transfer window to replace the team’s departing attacking players but has only managed to accumulate a total of 66 minutes of playing time in his first four games, according to Diario AS, who report on the latest ongoings at Atlético Madrid and their new forward line.
The Dutch international made his debut against Real Valladolid shortly after signing for the club, and he had 15 minutes on the pitch in his first match under Diego Simeone. Depay was then called upon later that week to play 46 minutes including extra time in the Copa del Rey against Real Madrid.
After those first games, his participation decreased. Simeone didn’t select him in the 1-0 victory over Osasuna, and he spent almost the entire Getafe game on the sidelines before an equaliser sent the team scrambling for a winning goal, which required Memphis to come on for the final five minutes.
Reports in Spain suggest that the Argentine manager doesn’t believe the Dutch international is at the required level yet in terms of match fitness.
Memphis may still be feeling the consequences of his little game time at Barcelona where he only played four games this season, including one against Intercity in the Copa del Rey. With a total of 204 minutes for the Blaugrana, he may still not be at full match fitness.
Atlético will need him at his peak level as soon as possible after the departures of fellow forwards João Félix and Matheus Cunha.
GSFN | Nicolás Antúnez de Mayolo
