Memphis Depay is happy to play on the wing if Netherlands boss Frank de Boer plays Luuk de Jong as the central striker against Bosnia & Herzegovina.
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Against Spain, Luuk de Jong was picked through the middle, with Memphis on the left. Under Ronald Koeman, Memphis was the central striker for Oranje.
Speaking at the pre-game press conference, Memphis was asked about his role on the wing, “It felt familiar to me personally, it’s not like I’ve never played there. I can work in both positions.”
Memphis knows De Jong well from his time with PSV, “So I know how to reach Luuk and vice versa. I can play him in the feet, because he is ball-resistant. He can drop a long ball so you can get under it. And if I give a cross, he can make headers, which is one of his greatest qualities. We know that about each other, and that makes sense, because we have known each other for a long time.”
Frank de Boer was then asked why he has changed the successful formula of Memphis through the middle, “I will not let go of that success formula at all. A good Memphis always plays, so then you go and see who is available on the left and who is available for the striker position. If you have an opponent who collapses, then I want people in their sixteen. I think Memphis can do a fantastic job on the left, too, with his actions, creativity and purpose. It’s not like it’s forever, but I think it’s best for the team right now. Hopefully we will get the most return from Luuk and Memphis.”
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