Anwar El Ghazi urges Ronald Koeman to start Brian Brobbey on Sunday with the Dutch national team for the opening match of the World Cup against Japan. According to the former international, the coach must be careful with Memphis Depay.
In an interview given au De Telegraafthe former international explains that Brobbey is his number 9 choice for this World Cup: “I’m not saying it only because his style of play can prove decisive for the Netherlands, or because he brilliantly held his place in a very physical Premier League thanks to his rock-solid physique. HAS”
“But also to protect Memphis Depay,” adds the former Dutch international, who has two caps. “His statistics for the national team are astonishing, with 55 goals and 36 assists. And I find that he is underestimated by the press and the supporters,” declares El Ghazi, before launching a direct appeal to Koeman.
“I therefore think that Koeman should preserve Depay for the first match against Japan,” advises the former international, who thus delivers his ideal striker. “If you start him when he is not at 100% of his abilities, as was seen against Algeria, I can already imagine the reactions. This would only confirm the image that all Depay’s detractors have of him. As a coach you must not want that. HAS”
“Give Memphis time, he can still bring a lot to this World Cup,” insists El Ghazi, who reaffirms his confidence in Brobbey. “The way he got rid of a “monster†like James Tarkowski to score against Everton sums up his season. HAS”
The former Ajax and PSV center forward assures that Brobbey brings a lot to this Oranje team: “In the Dutch selection, he is the ideal pivot. The Oranje always want to play football, but facing strong opponents in this tournament, there will also be times when we will be put under pressure. This is where a long ball towards Brobbey, which the players will then have to fetch, can give us a little breathing space. HAS”
During the friendlies against Algeria and Uzbekistan, Koeman lined up Donyell Malen up front, without the Roman finding the net. An assessment which is already fueling debates on offensive composition.
