Memphis Depay Suffers Another Major Blow After Libertadores Nightmare

From Corinthians Heartbreak to Netherlands Snub

It has been a difficult few days for Memphis Depay. After becoming one of the central figures in Corinthians’ Copa Libertadores elimination, the Dutch forward has suffered another setback: Xavi Hernández left him out of his first squad as Netherlands head coach.

Memphis had just endured a painful night against Estudiantes de La Plata. With Corinthians desperately trying to stay alive in the tie, the forward was handed a crucial late penalty, only to send his effort over the crossbar as the Brazilian side crashed out of the continental tournament.

Now, just days after that miss, his name is also absent from the 26-man squad selected by Xavi for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. There is no confirmation that the penalty influenced the coach’s decision, but the omission comes at a particularly difficult moment for Memphis.

Xavi Begins His Netherlands Era Without Memphis

The decision carries even more weight considering the role Memphis Depay has played for the Netherlands over the years. The forward has been one of Oranje’s biggest attacking figures and has built an international career that places him among the national team’s most prolific scorers.

However, Xavi Hernández appears ready to make significant decisions from the very beginning of his tenure. Memphis is not the only experienced player missing, with Marten de Roon and Wout Weghorst also left out.

The new head coach has instead opted for a combination of established stars such as Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders alongside younger players who could become part of a new generation following the World Cup.

Xavi Turns to the Next Generation

Among the biggest additions are Ruben van Bommel and Gjivai Zechiel, who have earned their first senior Netherlands call-ups after impressive starts to the season.

Van Bommel, the son of former Netherlands international Mark van Bommel, has regained momentum with PSV after recovering from a serious knee injury, recording two goals and two assists in league play.

Zechiel, meanwhile, has established himself at Feyenoord and already has five goals this season. Joey Veerman, now at Borussia Dortmund, also returns after falling out of favor during Ronald Koeman’s tenure.

Another important development is the continued presence of Virgil van Dijk. The captain had raised questions about his international future following the World Cup but will remain with Oranje after holding talks with Xavi.

Full Netherlands Squad

Goalkeepers: Mark Flekken, Robin Roefs, Bart Verbruggen.

Defenders: Nathan Aké, Virgil van Dijk, Denzel Dumfries, Jeremie Frimpong, Lutsharel Geertruida, Jorrel Hato, Jan Paul van Hecke, Jurrien Timber, Micky van de Ven.

Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch, Teun Koopmeiners, Tijjani Reijnders, Kenneth Taylor, Quinten Timber, Joey Veerman, Gjivai Zechiel.

Forwards: Justin Kluivert, Ruben van Bommel, Brian Brobbey, Cody Gakpo, Noa Lang, Donyell Malen, Crysencio Summerville.

A Difficult Moment for Memphis Depay

Xavi’s decision also arrives as Memphis attempts to recover from his Libertadores disappointment with Corinthians. The forward recently signed a lucrative contract extension, increasing expectations surrounding his performances in Brazil.

His time at Corinthians, however, cannot be defined by one missed penalty. Since arriving, Memphis has recorded 20 goals and 16 assists in 85 appearances while helping the club win three trophies: the Paulista, Copa do Brasil and Supercopa do Brasil.

His immediate situation nevertheless looks very different. In a matter of days, Memphis went from missing the penalty that could have kept Corinthians alive in the Libertadores to being left out at the start of a new era with the Netherlands.

The Nations League will offer the first glimpse of Xavi’s vision for Oranje. For Memphis, the challenge is now clear: rediscover his best form in Brazil and prove he still has a place in the Netherlands’ new project.

Key Takeaways

• Memphis Depay was left out of Xavi Hernández’s first Netherlands squad.
• The decision comes just days after he missed a crucial penalty in Corinthians’ Libertadores elimination against Estudiantes.
• Ruben van Bommel and Gjivai Zechiel are among the headline additions to Xavi’s new-look squad.