Polish striker Robert Lewandowski used just 11 La Liga games to score 12 goals for FC Barcelona in the 2022-2023 season which is the total number of La Liga goals Memphis Depay scored last season.
In the 2022-2023 season, Barcelona winger Memphis Depay was the best player on the pitch for the Spanish giants in terms of goals.
The Barcelona winger was in such a good form last season. He played 38 matches in all competitions for the club in the 2021/22 season and scored 13 goals (12 goals in the La Liga and a goal in the Europa League).
He created two assists, leading to goals. Due to his involvements in trying to win the ball for Barcelona during games, he received four yellow cards.
However, so far this season, Memphis Depay has played in two matches and scored a goal against Elche in the La Liga in the 19th minute.
He featured in one Champions League match against Bayern Munich, where Barcelona lost 2-0 in Germany
The player wanted to leave Barcelona after they brought in more attacking options, which reduced his own chances of getting playing time under the Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez.
He had already agreed to a personal term with Juventus, but the deal fell through when Juventus failed to pay his valuation amount of €20 million.
However, other rumours had it that the winger was on his way to Manchester United who did not want to spend extra money after signing Antony for €100m.
The reason why the player is not playing regularly is because of the consistency of Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele.
Those two players have been exceptional for Barcelona so far this season; they have provided assists, scored goals and put defenders on the back foot.
Dembele’s performance on Sunday, October 23, against Atletico Bilbao in the La Liga where the winger scored a goal and created three assists in a single match is an example of why coach Xavi rates Dembele more than Depay.
Dembele won man of the match award during the La Liga game and seems unstoppable at the moment.
How Can Memphis Depay Break Into The Barca Squad Again
Breaking into Barca’s squad now may be very difficult for Memphis Depay. The Dutchman still needs to convince Xavi going forward this season.
One of the things limiting Memphis Depay success at Barcelona remains his inability to be fit.
He needs to stay on top of his game like he always did, impress Xavi in training and be of good behavior in the dressing room.
Memphis Depay should also wait for his opportunity, and he may get it if Dembele and Raphinha get injured.
Dembele’s injury history has always been bad and that could be the window for Depay.
Does Depay Has What It Takes To Bench Robert Lewandowski?
Depay struggles in the number 9 position, and the only person that Xavi will consider to play that position is Ferran Torres.
Memphis Depay has no chance to bench the Polish striker, but he is only capable of benching Dembele and Raphinha, who play right and left wing.
Lewandowski remains Barcelona’s highest goal scorer in all competitions. He joined the club in the summer after Xavi publicly desired a striker.
Lewandowski is likely to play in all matches for Barcelona this season. The only thing that may stop him from playing is suspension or injury.
What Is the Way Forward for Memphis Depay’s football Career?
The 28-year-old winger still has more years in his career. Staying at Barcelona will reduce his ability and his playing time going forward.
In order to get a chance to represent his country, the Netherlands, at the highest level, he needs to move to another club.
The January transfer window presents another opportunity for the player to find another club. As he grows older, Juventus and Inter Milan may come for his services.
These two clubs are places for old players who find it hard to get playing chances in their elite clubs.
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