Memphis Depay helps Barcelona come out of their dip
The Dutch forward was praised by Xavi Hernandez after his goal and good display
With Ousmane Dembele dipping out of the XI because of tonsillitis, Memphis Depay was given a chance. Adama was expected on the right wing, but in the end the coach went for the Dutchman on the left and moved Ferran Torres to the right. The bet went well for Xavi, with Memphis breaking the deadlock after a great pass from Jordi Alba.
It puts Memphis on 12 goals, one more than Aubameyang, 11 in La Liga and one in the Europa League.
Memphis’s last goal from open play came on Feb 27, against Athletic in the 4-0 win at Camp Nou. The last two had been from the penalty spot.
“He played because he's training really well. Maybe another player would have given up, but not him,” said Xavi.
“He was great tonight. We want this type of player. He has a great attitude, scores goals, is good in space. Maybe I have been unjust with him at certain moments because he's not played many minutes. “But he's had a fantastic week of training and, if he plays like this, he has to play.”
He had a good game all-round working well with Gavi and all the danger came from down his side, on the left, i the first half.
Memphis had a free-kick which hit the wall - the team have not netted one all season.
It was overall a performance that brought to mind his best games under Ronald Koeman, at the start of the season.
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