The numbers that put Memphis Depay ahead of Neymar
The Brazilian has been poor this season and Barca target Depay is having a fine campaign
It’s been hard for Barcelona to shut the door on Neymar. The Brazilian, since leaving in 2017, has been linked back to Barca so often. For various reasons it has been frustrated and now he has renewed until 2025 with PSG, it seems like he will never return.
And yet, in Ligue 1, Neymar has not been at his best. He chose comfort and petrodollars ahead of the challenge at Barcelona.
The Catalans are looking instead to Memphis Depay, the Lyon captain, who is a free agent from June 30 and is definitely leaving. Barca are his first choice, although Ronald Koeman’s future may well be linked. Depay knows everything will be easier with the Wembley legend in charge.
In Ligue 1 the numbers comparing the two are interesting. Yes, Neymar has been injured for a lot of the season, but Memphis has been a lot more decisive.
He has a market value of 45 million, compared to Neymar’s 110m, but the former Man United and PSV forward has 20 goals and 12 assists, compared to Neymar’s nine and five respectively.
Memphis has played 37 games to Ney’s 18 and has a goal every 146 minutes, compared to Neymar’s 157.
Memphis has also created 106 chances compared to Neymar’s 64. He gets 56% of shots on target, while Neymar has managed 39%.
Only in terms of dribbling does Neymar come out ahead. 56% success, compared to Depay’s 51%.
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