Koeman hints Memphis Depay could start after Sweden win

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman said after the 2‑1 win over Sweden that he may soon start striker Memphis Depay, highlighting that the forward’s fitness is improving and that a moment could arrive when he can be included in the lineup. Depay was taken off about twenty minutes before the final whistle for Brian Brobbey. Brobbey went on to score two of the goals that secured the win against Sweden. "I found it better today. The fitness is getting better and then maybe a moment will come when you can start with Memphis," Koeman said. He added that Memphis is "super important from his role and positive towards other players" and that the striker now accepts his role.

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"I don’t know for how long, but that’s what he does. That’s also nice to see, because ultimately it’s about the whole group," Koeman remarked. He noted that Memphis currently occupies a place on the bench, which he finds unsatisfactory because of their long‑standing good contact. Koeman said, "It was about fitness and that was never one hundred percent," referring to Memphis’s condition. He observed that Memphis is "getting closer and that also depends on the functioning of the team."

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Koeman questioned whether he could continue to rely on Brobbey, noting the forward has "some light hamstring complaints." He described the situation as "a bit disappointing." Cody Gakpo also contributed a goal in the match against Sweden. Crysencio Summerville added the third goal for the Netherlands.