Barcelona: Memphis Depay hits out at lack of game time but won’t run from competition
Memphis Depay has hit out at his lack of game time for Barcelona, claiming that ‘it is not enough.’
The Netherlands international joined Barcelona in 2021 but has struggled to nail down a place in the starting lineup since his arrival.
Despite the strong competition to get into Xavi‘s first-choice attack, Depay believes he is more than good enough to be starting for the Blaugrana.
Memphis Depay has used the international break as an opportunity to plead his case to his club
Speaking to ESPN and Marca whilst on international duty, Depay said: ‘I had two starts in the last two weeks in La Liga. It is not enough. I went off after 60 minutes but I want more.’
The 28-year-old claims that he would be better to suited to playing the full 90 minutes as that’s when he believes the chances are more likely to arrive.
‘In the last 25 minutes of the match there are more spaces and there is always an opportunity to take advantage of that.’
Depay, right, has struggled to cement himself as a permanent fixture in boss Xavi’s plans
Despite their financial troubles, Barcelona decided to invest heavily in forwards with Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski arriving from Leeds and Bayern Munich, respectively.
This has meant that Depay has seen himself fall further down the pecking order with Ousmane Dembele, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres also competing for a place in the Barcelona front line.
However, Depay insists he won’t shy away from the challenge.
New signings Robert Lewandowski, left, and Raphinha have been on good form since joining
‘I love competition and I do not run from it. I love being at Barcelona.’
However, if Depay is surplus to requirements, it’ll come as no surprise if the Spanish side look to ease their wage bill with a January sale and, according to Depay, he’ll have no shortage of potential suitors.
‘Other clubs knocked at my door and I looked at my options. I decided to stay and fight for my chance at Barcelona.’
Depay was his side’s top scorer last season but is now a regular on the Barcelona bench