Wim Kieft urges Xavi Hernandez to axe Memphis Depay, claiming the striker’s international career is finished unless an emergency strike forces a desperate recall for the Oranje.
Wim Kieft believes Memphis Depay’s time with the Netherlands national team should be over, urging new head coach Xavi Hernandez not to recall the Corinthians forward unless an emergency arises.
Wim Kieft has delivered a blunt assessment of Memphis Depay’s international future, arguing that the new Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez should move on from the former PSV forward.
Kieft made the comments on the KieftJansenEgmondGijp podcast, with Xavi preparing to name his final squad on Friday, 18 September, for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Germany on 24 September and Serbia on 27 September.
In Kieft’s view, Memphis’ international career has effectively reached its conclusion following the World Cup.
“Memphis is, after the World Cup, pretty much done with the Netherlands national team. You’re not going to make another call on him again. It would have to be an absolute emergency”, says the former PSV player, as quoted by PSV Inside.
Memphis remains active at club level with Brazilian side Corinthians, but Kieft questioned whether the 32-year-old can still consistently operate at the level required for international football.
“In Brazil, he can perhaps play the star, but at this World Cup he also wasn't fit again. It wasn't enough. That top level is becoming more and more difficult. And we have a new national team coach, which is also kind of fun. Now we're going to see what he's going to do,” Kieft continues.
The remarks come as Xavi prepares to begin his tenure with the Netherlands. The new coach faces several decisions over the make-up of his squad, including whether experienced players such as Memphis remain part of his plans.
![Whether experienced players such as Memphis remain part of Xavi's plans, that is to be seen [REUTERS]](https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/1df9d24f-cc87-4880-988c-2ce344ceb8d1.jpeg)
Whether experienced players such as Memphis remain part of Xavi's plans, that is to be seen [REUTERS]Van Egmond Reflects On Memphis Controversy
The discussion also turned to a social media controversy involving Memphis and Corinthians.
Shortly after extending his contract with the Brazilian club, Memphis released a video clip that attracted attention and criticism. Podcast presenter Michel van Egmond recalled the episode and questioned the timing of the post.
“Do you know what I thought was good? That Memphis had a bit of trouble with his contract and then made a video clip where the club building was in flames. And then he was completely surprised that the supporters didn’t really appreciate that. Then I would have told the guy from social media: just wait a little longer,” said Van Egmond.
Memphis’ future with the Netherlands will now rest with Xavi. Kieft, however, has made his position clear: unless circumstances leave the new coach with no alternative, he does not expect another international call-up for the former PSV player.
