Dutch star Memphis Depay may have scored a hat-trick against Turkey, but he still wasn’t fully satisfied.
The Netherlands put up a decent enough show in reaching the Round of 16 at Euro 2020 but after losing to the Czech Republic, a new direction was needed – and in walked Louis van Gaal for the third time to take charge of the national team.
His aim is quite clearly to get them to the World Cup in Qatar next year and last night they took another big step towards doing just that thanks to a 6-1 demolition of Turkey.
Depay wants more
Barcelona’s own Memphis Depay was at the forefront of the operation with three goals to help the Oranje in their way to top spot in their qualification group. While they still have a ways to go before the celebrations can begin, it was a solid performance for a team that could desperately use an impressive campaign at the World Cup.
After the match Depay, to the surprise of many, was actually quite critical of what he was able to produce.
“We were often sloppy, especially me,” he said before noting that he’d lost possession on a number of occasions.
“But if we start like we did, we make it easy on ourselves. After going two-up, we expanded our game and then you can afford those sloppy moments. But we should actually try and keep a high level, and I’m talking about myself here again.
“Everyone might think I’m just jubilant now after the hat-trick. I’m happy, yes, but I expect more from myself.”
Footballers on his level are always going to push themselves to the limit and given how much is at stake and the mentality they possess, that can only be a good thing.
Featured image credit: Getty
