Koeman Urges Netherlands Difference-Maker Depay To Regain Fitness For World Cup

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Ronald Koeman is demanding that Memphis Depay reaches full fitness and sharp form before the World Cup, stressing Netherlands need a decisive forward. Koeman views Depay as central to the national team’s hopes but warned that impact depends on fitness and rhythm.

Depay missed the March international fixtures after suffering a thigh problem with Corinthians, yet still joined the Netherlands camp for medical care. The 32-year-old remains a key figure, and Koeman’s comments underline how much planning still revolves around Depay.

Koeman explained that Depay had already reconnected with the squad environment during the latest international window. He said: "He [Depay] came through training and had lunch with us, said Koeman. I also said: before you know it, itll be time [for the World Cup]."

Across the UEFA World Cup qualifiers, Depay delivered some of the most productive numbers in Europe. Depay struck eight goals and supplied four assists in eight appearances, finishing behind only Erling Haaland for both goals and total goal contributions during the campaign.

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During that run, Depay also moved past Robin van Persie to become Netherlands’ record scorer. Depay now has 55 international goals, surpassing Van Persie’s previous mark of 50, which further explains why Koeman keeps highlighting Depay’s importance heading towards the tournament.

Koeman pushed Depay to regain peak condition, stressing that performance levels must match responsibility. Koeman said: "He needs to be in top form, otherwise he wont be the difference-maker he should be. But I dont think Memphis will be scared so easily."

Netherlands continue their World Cup build-up after a 2-1 win against Norway on Friday, a match where Norway missed Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. Koeman’s team now face Ecuador in Eindhoven on Tuesday, another chance to assess options while Depay recovers.

Recent results show a resilient Netherlands side. Koeman’s squad last suffered any defeat in March 2025, when Spain knocked them out on penalties in the Nations League quarter-finals. Their most recent loss inside 90 minutes came against Germany in October 2024.

With the World Cup approaching, Netherlands appear stable but still rely heavily on Depay’s influence in attack. Koeman’s remarks suggest confidence in Depay’s mentality, yet also make clear that Netherlands’ attacking ceiling depends on Depay returning fully fit and sharp.