As big name suitors circle PSV winger Memphis Depay, Dutch compatriots have been warning the young phenomenon about leaving the comfort of the Eredivisie too soon.
- By Spencer Steevensz
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In the past few days, both Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev) and Eljero Elia (Southampton) have called on PSV’s Memphis Depay to reject any offers this summer and stay in Eindhoven. While top executives at PSV are divided about the winger’s preparedness, manager Phillip Cocu has stated he believes Memphis is ready, while Technical Director Marcel Brands sees otherwise; both have succumbed to the fact they are losing a prized asset. Currently, Manchester United are leading the rumor race to get his signature before next season begins.
Arjen Robben and Robin an Persie both left Holland at 20 and have found great success. However, since then, a large slew of promising players have failed to live up to expectations outside of the Eredivisie: Ryan Babel, Royston Drenthe, Ricky van Wolkfswinkel and Ola John just to name a few.
Lens used the example of Ibrahim Affelay, who like Depay was a profound winger for PSV before signing a lucrative contract with Barcelona, at a much riper age of 25 to Depay’s 21. However, in Affelay’s 8 seasons in Eindhoven he scored a respectable 38 goals in 217 appearances. In 118 appearances over four seasons, Depay has scored 47 goals, and this season has 5 games to go, where Depay will certainly add to his tally.
Elia cautioned Depay to stay at PSV and spend a season playing Champion’s League football with the elite before joining them. Depay will be unlikely to heed the warning of his international compatriot, who having found decent success on-loan at Southampton has also not had an easy time on or off the pitch since leaving Twente six years ago.
Until he leaves the relative ease of the Dutch league, it is impossible to know how Depay will shape up. If he indeed leaves, and finds himself unprepared, he may find it more troublesome to reach the top than if he waits. However, if he rises to the occasion and develops with the elite, he may very well be the next Dutch superstar.
i tought drenthe can substitude with edgard davids but he couldnot