De Boer: ‘we need Memphis in top form’

Memphis Depay

has signed a two-year deal with

and is going to move to Camp Nou on a free transfer when his contract at Lyon expires at the end of the month.

Depay has not been able to reach his best level in the

’ first two games at

and his national team head coach

Frank De Boer

hopes that linking up with Barcelona will inspire him to step up for his country as they look ahead to the round 16.

When De Boer was asked how he felt after sealing Depay’s move to Barcelona, he told his press conference on Sunday:

"It's a relief. Maybe that gives him an extra kick to perform even better. We need Memphis in top form.”

He then added on Depay’s underwhelming start to the tournament:

“Memphis is the first to criticize himself or the way he plays and says to himself: 'I can do better than what I've shown so far’.

"He is not a different person when being criticized. He is very self-confident and knows exactly what he wants. It is not so easy to upset him. Let's hope he gets to the level we hope he will get. He's very important for the team.“

Depay made his international debut in 2013 and since then has played 66 games for his national side and scored 22 goals.

The 27-year-old could get the chance to add to his tally when the Netherlands are going to play against North Macedonia at Johan Cruijff ArenA on Monday, having already secured their place as group winners.

It seems De Boer can start planning for the round 16 after seeing his side pick up maximum points, but he is still ranking two nations ahead of his own.

“Italy has made the best impression so far," he said. "After the win, the Germans are among the favorites again. Germany played a perfect game yesterday [4-2 against Portugal], maybe the best game so far in the tournament.”

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