Depay's Impressive Action In The Trial Match, Not Guaranteed To Become A Regular Barca Striker

Memphis Depay began to show sharpness during the Barcelona test match. (photo: doc. barcelona.com)

JAKARTA – Memphis Depay continues his impressive debut at Barcelona. The Dutch striker netted his second goal in two games during the pre-season friendly Saturday, 31 July.

The Dutch forward, who Barca signed on a free transfer from Lyon during the summer, opened the scoring when he came off the bench. The goal helped Barca win 3-0 over Stuttgart, in the friendly match.

Depay himself already showed his sharpness for his new team when he also scored a penalty to complete a 3-1 win over Girona, last week.

Against Stuttgart, Depay was immediately given a place since the first half began. Although a new player, he is relatively quick to adapt to old Barca players. Depay showed his quality when opening the scoring to 1-0 in the 21st minute.

File this one away under 𝑮𝑶𝑳𝑨𝒁𝑶❗️@Memphis 📂 pic.twitter.com/k0xpSC5aUJ

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 31, 2021

Depay picked up a high pass from the line with good ball control and rounded the Stuttgart defender before volleying past Stuttgart goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow.

Meanwhile, Austrian young star Yusuf Demir, who had a season-long loan from Rapid Vienna, doubled Barcelona's lead in the 36th minute. Furthermore, midfielder Riqui Puig scored the third goal in the 74th minute.

But that appearance has not ensured him to be able to occupy Barcelona's front line on a regular basis. This is because the Catalan club has stated that they have no intention of selling Antoine Griezmann or Philippe Coutinho this summer, unless a truly extraordinary offer arrives.

There were rumors that the French striker or the Brazilian playmaker, or both, would be released to finance Lionel Messi's contract renewal.

But Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona has not included Griezmann or Coutinho on the transfer list. Even manager Ronald Koeman intends to keep both in his squad for next season.