Memphis Depay played a starring role for the Netherlands as they suffered a 4-2 defeat to Turkey in a thrilling World Cup qualifier.
The 27-year-old, who is being eyed by Barcelona as he nears the end of his Lyon contract this summer, did his hopes of a move to Camp Nou little harm with a fine performance in Istanbul despite missing a late spot-kick.
Take a closer look at his contributions below...
Turkey 4-2 Netherlands: Player Ratings, Match Stats, Player Stats
📷 Memphis Depay: Match Snapshot
Having started the game in a centre-forward role, Depay came to life once he was moved out to the left by Frank de Boer's substitutions late in the second half.
⚽ ⏱️ 75' Depay's inswinging cross is brilliantly controlled by Davy Klassen, whose first touch on the turn provides a one-on-one chance that he powerfully finishes.
⚽ ⏱️ 77' Two assists in as many minutes for Depay, with another cross from the left-hand side being met by another substitute in Luuk de Jong to give the Dutch hope of a comeback.
Burak Yilmaz subsequently took the game away from De Boer's men with a remarkable free-kick to complete his hat-trick, but that could not take away from Depay's role in a valiant attempt at a comeback prior to that.
❌ ⏱️ 94' The forward could even have made it a hat-trick of goal contributions right at the death but saw his late penalty well saved by Ugurcan Cakir.
🗝️ Key Stats
Memphis Depay match stats
Statistic | Value |
Mins Played | 90 |
Goals | 0 |
Assists | 2 |
Shots | 6 |
Key Passes | 4 |
Touches | 84 |
Memphis Depay: What Next?
After making the worst possible start to their World Cup qualifying campaign this evening, the Netherlands will hope to get back on track against Latvia on Saturday.
With a game against Gibraltar also to follow, it remains to see what role Depay is allowed to play in both games as his manager looks to avoid burnout.
Turkey 4-2 Netherlands: Player Ratings, Match Stats, Player Stats