Veteran Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben has vowed to aid Memphis Depay in his plight to return to the devastating form which saw the young winger seal a move from PSV Eindhoven to Manchester United this summer.
Robben, who played for PSV between 2002-04 before moving to the Premier League, knows exactly what Memphis is going through, having obviously made a similar switch with his move from The Netherlands to Chelsea.
The pair are currently on international duty and face Wales in a friendly on Friday evening – with Die Oranje looking to overcome the heartbreak which accompanies their failure to qualify for Euro 2016.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference next to Danny Blind, the Netherlands Head Coach, Robben said:
“We try to help each other as players and the team to make steps. He is a talented player in a difficult situation. I can give him advice but the player has to cope with it, show strength and the right mentality”
Memphis hasn’t hit the heights expected of him at Old Trafford just yet – although he played exceptionally well against Club Brugge in the Champions League play-offs. However, he’s only young and it’s important to give him time to adjust. Robben wasn;t exactly mercurial at the start of his time with Chelsea but has since gone on to play for Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, as well as in a World Cup final.
Robben added:
“Of course I will give him advice,”
“It is important in your development as a player. It is not always sunshine and you have difficult periods, especially when you are young.
“He has a long way ahead and if he shows the right mentality, the talent is there.
“If he keeps working hard I am sure he can succeed.”
The Netherlands face Wales in Cardiff, with Chris Coleman’s side warming up for their participation in next summer’s European Championship tournament in France.
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