Barcelona forward admits to not being at his best level in recent World Cup contest

Speaking after the Netherlands’ 1-1 draw against Ecuador in the FIFA World Cup 2022 on Friday, Barcelona and Oranje forward Memphis Depay has admitted that he was not quite at his best level during the game.

Depay is being eased back into action by Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal following a lengthy injury layoff. The Dutch striker picked up a thigh injury during the previous international break in late September and had not played for the club since.

The 28-year-old made his return to on-field action in the Dutch national teams’ World Cup opener against Senegal, making a 30-minute cameo.

On Friday against Ecuador, the Barcelona attacker once again started on the bench but came on at half-time and played 45 minutes plus stoppage time but could not inspire his team to a win as the contest ended in a 1-1 draw.

And Depay admitted after the game that he could not hit his stride in the match against Ecuador, but added that he will not be discouraged by it and keep working to get better going forward in the tournament.

“I felt I couldn’t play my game,” Depay acknowledged, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

“As a player who often wants to hit the ball and look for his opponent, I didn’t get into that challenge. There were very few moments with space,” he added.

But the Netherlands ace was confident of improving, as he said: “This doesn’t discourage me, it’s important to trust more on the pitch and everything will be fine.”

In a sense, Depay could very well be playing for his future at the World Cup. His partnership with Barcelona looks set to come to an end in the January transfer window, as he has fallen out of favour and has struggled for game-time.

An exit looms large and a strong run at the World Cup could be key to him earning a move to a top side like he desires.