Depay returns to Netherlands squad for Nations League clash with Spain

THE HAGUE, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman on Friday called up Corinthians striker Memphis Depay for the forthcoming Nations League quarterfinals against Spain on March 20 and 23.

For the 31-year-old Depay, it means a return to the squad after eight months. On July 10 last year he played his last match for his country in the semifinals of Euro 2024 against England.

After his transfer to Brazilian club Corinthians in September last year he had not received a call-up. Depay so far has 98 caps behind his name for 'Oranje'. He is on 46 goals, only four behind Robin van Persie, the current all-time goal scorer for the Netherlands with 50 goals.

Compared to the preliminary squad of two weeks ago, Manchester City defender Nathan Ake and Internazionale defender Stefan de Vrij were dropped due to injuries. Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt therefore received a call-up, although he was not on the preliminary list.

Ajax player Kenneth Taylor returned to the squad after almost two years. The 22-year-old midfielder played his last of four matches for the national team on March 24, 2023 against France (4-0 loss).

The Netherlands will play Spain in the quarterfinals of the Nations League on March 20 in Rotterdam and on March 23 in Valencia. The winner meets Croatia or France in the semifinals on June 5.

Following is the Netherlands squad for Nations League quarterfinals:

Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion), Mark Flekken (Brentford), Nick Olij (Sparta Rotterdam)

Defenders: Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Denzel Dumfries (Internazionale), Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Lutsharel Geertruida (RB Leipzig), Jorrel Hato (Ajax), Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong (FC Barcelona), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan), Kenneth Taylor (Ajax), Jerdy Schouten (PSV), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Justin Kluivert (AFC Bournemouth)

Forwards: Brian Brobbey (Ajax), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Noa Lang (PSV), Donyell Malen (Aston Villa), Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig)

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