The Weekly Take, Issue 315: Memphis Blues

 Following a dismal season in which he only scored five league goals and concluded with his departure from Atlético Madrid, Euro 2024 was an opportunity for Dutch striker Memphis Depay to prove that he still has what it takes to succeed at the highest level - at the very least, with regard to international play. After all, Memphis is the Netherlands’ second-highest goalscorer ever and turned in some solid performances up front during the Oranje’s most recent major tournament: the 2022 World Cup.

Instead, Memphis has thus far done the opposite. His contributions to the Netherlands’ 2-1 victory over Poland were scant to say the least. Memphis was then even worse in the subsequent match against France. Apart from a single shot which was saved and led to a disallowed goal following a VAR check, Memphis might as well have been absent altogether - such was his overall lack of output at Red Bull Arena.

Memphis’ two showings in Germany so far have been characterized by errant finishing, loss of possession, and an absence of situational awareness. He has turned into a mere shell of the player who just three years ago notched a whopping 17 international goals over a calendar year and seemed to be set up for a great next few years following his move to Barcelona. That outcome, however, could not have been further from what actually transpired.

Apart from the World Cup in Qatar almost two years ago, the last time Memphis was even a serviceable starter-level player was the 2021-22 season, his first and only full season at Barça. The decline in Memphis’ level of play - first for club, then for country - has been obvious for some time now. It’s clear at this point: Memphis doesn’t have “it” anymore and having turned 30 a few months back, almost certainly never will again - players who experience late-career revivals are outliers.

In fact, benching Memphis for the remainder of the tournament is a step that Ronald Koeman needs to seriously consider. Although an opening-day win followed by a draw against one of the leading title contenders on paper appears to be a solid start, Koeman’s first crack at a major tournament coaching his country’s team is likely go off the rails if the team doesn’t elevate their general level of play thus far - and a large portion of the blame for their relative underperformance can be directed at Memphis.

There are several options to be considered if Memphis is indeed to be benched. Perhaps Cody Gakpo could be moved to centre-forward, opening up a spot in midfield for either Joey Veerman or Georginio Wijnaldum. Giving Donyell Malen or Wout Weghorst the start at the sharp end of the pitch is another viable option. Nevertheless, based on how Memphis has been playing at this tournament, one of those - or perhaps something else which also involves dropping Memphis from the starting 11 - might be just what the Netherlands need.

Going even further, when considering Memphis’ recent track record at club level, it becomes even more apparent that Memphis is only a starter due to “legacy”, not because he genuinely deserves to be part of the starting 11 right now. Could part of it be the fact that Memphis is just five goals short of tying Robin van Persie as the Netherlands’ all-time leading international goalscorer? Perhaps - but this is not the time to play a clearly underperforming player just to chase a record (which, the way he’s been playing over the last few years, will likely never arrive anyway).

Koeman has to make the big call here. Memphis has been an anchor for the Netherlands so far - and not in the sense of “anchoring the team”, but as in “weighing them down and stunting their progress”. It’s unlikely that they will make a deep run if they start Memphis the whole time.

Finally, think back to the 2022 World Cup. Remember that in the earliest matches of the tournament, eventual champions Argentina struggled after starting the underperforming Lautaro Martínez up front. As soon as the Inter striker was replaced by Julián Álvarez, the Albiceleste’s campaign truly took off and culminated in a first world title in 36 years. Does this mean that the Netherlands will win Euro 2024 by benching Memphis Depay? Not necessarily - but to have a chance, they must at least try it.

The Weekly Take, Issue 314: A Hot Start to the Quest for Four

Ever since winning their third continental title at Euro 2012, Spain have generally struggled in tournament play. Over the three World Cups and two European Championships since then, La Furia Roja have advanced beyond the round of 16 on just one occasion. Heading into Euro 2024, Spain were generally regarded as a potential dark horse pick capable of going deep but not necessarily likely to win an unprecedented fourth title.

That being said, Spain clearly showcased their title credentials in their opening Group B match, beating Croatia 3-0 with a dominant performance. All three goals were scored in the first half with Álvaro Morata opening the scoring in the 29th minute, this was soon followed by Fabián Ruiz extending Spain’s advantage. In first-half stoppage time, Dani Carvajal made it three to round off a 45 minutes that proved why Spain cannot be overlooked when it comes to being title contenders.

There should be no question that Spain have arrived at the tournament with a point to prove. This was an extremely impressive performance from almost every single member of Spain starting 11 - arguably Rodri and his surrendered penalty notwithstanding; even then, Unai Simón saved Bruno Petković’s spot-kick.

That, in fact, is a good place to start. Spain’s defensive unit, goalkeeper Simón included, turned in a clinical performance that will surely make any opposing attacking player think twice upon further viewing. Despite having a sizeable chunk of possession in the final third, there wasn’t anything Croatia could do to create a truly notable goalscoring opportunity in the second half. The Spanish backline of Carvajal, Robin Le Normand, Nacho, and Marc Cuccurella kept their Balkan opposition’s attacking threat stifled almost at all times. While it remains to be seen how they’ll hold up against more potent attacking threats in later rounds, this was certainly a good sign for the rest of the tournament.

Further up front, Lamine Yamal lived up to all the hype surrounding his debut in a major international tournament. At just 16, the Barcelona winger has just had a season in which he has clearly established himself as not only the future of the Catalan club as well as his national team, but before too long perhaps the present as well. It was from a cross sent in by Yamal from which Carvajal scored Spain’s third goal and throughout the entire match, Yamal posed a significant danger to Croatia’s defense. There’s every possibility that during this tournament, Yamal will cap off a truly remarkable season with a standout showing in Germany. To say that Yamal’s future is bright would be a colossal understatement.

From a tactical standpoint, Croatia played directly into Spain’s hands. As Croatia pushed forward, they ended up being left vulnerable at the back, allowing Spain to create goalscoring opportunities. Spain’s first goal was an example of this: it came off a counter-attack from a botched long ball forward by Croatia. Cucurella took possession and played it to Rodri who in turn tapped it to Fabián. Finally, Fabián put Morata through on goal; Morata duly finished it off. Sequences similar to this one did take place on multiple occasions during the match and could easily have resulted in further goals.

While it’s true that Croatia aren’t really regarded as contenders to win it all, this match clearly showed that Luis de la Fuente’s team can’t be written off by any means. Despite not having the sheer star power of France, England, or even Germany, this Spain team boasts a deep, cohesive squad that on their day can stand up against anyone. Perhaps the major thing that might hold them back would be their recent tournament history. However, it must also be kept in mind that in the majority of the tournaments to date, the title hasn’t gone to the team most favored to win it all.

The shadow of Spain’s legendary team of 2008-12 - perhaps the greatest international football team of all time - has continued to loom large over every Spain team since. However, this current team seems to have everything needed to finally emerge from that iconic squad’s shadow and craft a legacy of their own. Could that happen at this very tournament? Early signs are definitely promising.

The Weekly Take, Issue 313: End-of-Season Special: Top 10 Moments of the Season

Another European club football season is now done and dusted. Though Euro 2024 is just ahead, there’s still more than enough time to look back on another memorable season full of highlights and compelling storylines.

These are what I consider to be the top 10 moments of the 2023-24 European club football season:

Jude Bellingham signs for Real Madrid (June 14, 2023)

It isn’t often that a transfer fee of €103 million ends up being an absolute steal. Yet, this was exactly the case with Jude Bellingham’s transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid. Off the back of an impressive 2022-23 season which saw the Englishman win the Bundesliga Player of the Season award at just 19 coupled with an outstanding showing for England at the World Cup, Real swooped in to bring Bellingham to the Santiago Bernabéu. However, not even Real themselves could have foreseen Bellingham taking it to another level.

Bellingham won La Liga’s Player of the Season award by a landslide, was the clear best player of a Real team that won a league and Champions League double, and even finished joint-third in La Liga’s goalscoring rankings—a remarkable achievement for a midfielder. As such, he’s now a Ballon d’Or contender at the age of 20 and could potentially seal it by leading England to the Euro 2024 title.

Harry Kane signs for Bayern Munich (August 12, 2023)

Bellingham’s compatriot Kane is undoubtedly the greatest player in the history of Tottenham Hotspur. However, after years of carrying the North London club only to invariably fall short, Kane appeared to have all but ended his career trophy drought by signing for Bayern. After all, at the time of Kane’s signing, Bayern had won the league for 11 consecutive seasons.

Remarkably, not even this would come to pass. In a season marked by dysfunction, Bayern lost to Real in the Champions League semifinals, were soundly beaten to the Bundesliga title by Bayer Leverkusen, and were even upset by 1. FC Saarbrücken in the DFB-Pokal. As such, despite a brilliant individual season in which he won the European Golden Shoe for the first time with 36 league goals, Kane’s “trophy curse” continues.

Inter Milan 5-1 AC Milan (September 17, 2023)

This Derby della Madonnina sent a message and then some. Inter backed up their underdog run to last season’s Champions League final with a statement victory against their cross-town rivals and then-reigning Serie A champions early in the season.

The result set the tone for the rest of the Serie A campaign. No team ended up even coming close to the Nerazzurri who won the Scudetto by a massive 19-point margin, reclaiming the league title they last won in the 2020-21 season.

Jürgen Klopp announces departure from Liverpool (January 26, 2024)

In what came as an absolute bombshell to the Kop faithful and beyond, Klopp confirmed that he would be ending his almost nine-year stint as Liverpool’s head coach at the end of the season.

As the years pass, Klopp’s legacy at Anfield will only grow stronger. The German will be remembered as the man who revived the Reds and made them a bona fide powerhouse once again. Though Klopp’s time in the Liverpool dugout might not have yielded as many trophies as some fans might have liked, both the statistics and quality of play speak for themselves—and he did, of course, bring the Champions League title to Merseyside in the 2018-19 season.

Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 Bayern Munich (February 11, 2024)

If ever there was a match for which the underlying message was “show us what you’ve got”, this was it. Leverkusen were top of the Bundesliga and still unbeaten; however, many had picked out this match against perennial league juggernaut as a potential L and the match where everything would start to unravel.

Instead, Die Werkself rose to the occasion. Xabi Alonso’s team completely outplayed their more illustrious Bavarian opponents in every facet imaginable. Not only was this match proof that Leverkusen had what it took to go all the way; it also set the stage for what was to come soon.

Bayer Leverkusen 5-0 Werder Bremen (April 14, 2024)

Leverkusen would go on to clinch their first-ever Bundesliga title in style by absolutely taking Werder apart at the BayArena. Fittingly, the victory was sealed via a hat-trick scored by Florian Wirtz - already Leverkusen’s best player at just 21 and by far this season’s biggest breakout star.

To make things even more exciting, with just over a month remaining in the season, Leverkusen had not lost even one match in any competition. Not just the league - all competitions. Leverkusen were now in place to put the final touches on one of the greatest seasons, if not the single greatest season, in European club football history.

Kylian Mbappé announces departure from Paris Saint-Germain (May 10, 2024)

What had been one of world football’s biggest “open secrets” was finally made official. Mbappé would be set to wrap up seven seasons at the Parc des Princes at the end of his 2023-24 campaign. Although Mbappé did not specify the club for which he’d sign after leaving his hometown team, it was all but known that he would be headed for Real Madrid.

That ended up being exactly what would transpire. Less than a month after Mbappé’s announcement, Real signed the French striker on a free transfer. Mbappé will now form one of the most potent attacking forces not just today, but of all time by teaming up with Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Vinícius Júnior.

Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 Augsburg (May 14, 2024)

Prior to this season, an unbeaten league season in one of Europe’s four major football leagues had only been done nine times before with just four of those coming after 1932. It had also never happened in the Bundesliga. Having already clinched the league title a month earlier and still unbeaten heading into the final matchday, this was Leverkusen’s opportunity to elevate their legacy to the loftiest heights.

As they’d done in every other league match before this one, Die Werkself wouldn’t be beaten. It was a routine 2-1 victory - but also so, so much more than that. Leverkusen had now entered uncharted territory for a German club. While they would end up falling just short of an unbeaten season in all competitions by losing in the Europa League final, Bayer Leverkusen’s 2023-24 season will surely be one talked about even decades from now.

Manchester City 3-1 West Ham (May 19, 2024)

Staying on the topic of historic achievements, no club had ever won four consecutive Premier League titles up until this season. All Manchester City had to do on the last matchday was beat West Ham to arrive at an accomplishment that up to that point had eluded every English club ever.

As was expected, City had no trouble seeing off the Hammers at all. Phil Foden’s two goals that opened the scoring capped off his breakout season in which he picked up the Premier League Player of the Season award. As City get ready for what will be Pep Guardiola’s final season coaching them, the prospect of City not making it five in a row is almost unfathomable.

Real Madrid 2-0 Borussia Dortmund (June 2, 2024)

Borussia Dortmund’s underdog run to their first Champions League final since 2013 was brought to an anti-climactic end. Real Madrid made it two Champions League titles in the last three seasons, six in the last 11, and a record-extending 15th overall with a comfortable victory over their German opponents.

With the victory, Real head coach Carlo Ancelotti claimed his fifth career Champions League title and left no doubt whatsoever that he’s the greatest of all time. Vinícius Júnior, who scored Real’s second goal, made himself the front-runner for the Ballon d’Or with just Euro 2024 and the Copa América 2024 to go. Finally, legendary midfielder Toni Kroos, who had announced his impending retirement prior to the match, was able to exit on the highest note possible.

The Weekly Take, Issue 312: An All-Time Great Gets the Dream Career Finish

After a 17-year career, one of the greatest midfielders of all time has ended his club football career on a high note - with another Champions League title to his name.

On May 21, Toni Kroos announced his upcoming retirement at the age of 34 via a post on Instagram. The German midfielder’s last matches would be for his national team at Euro 2024, making his appearance in the Champions League final at Wembley for Real Madrid against Borussia Dortmund his club football swansong. Not surprisingly, this became the biggest underlying storyline heading into the match.

Real ended up clinching their sixth Champions League title in the last 11 seasons and a record-extending 15th overall. Although Dortmund had multiple viable goalscoring chances in the first half, Die Schwarzgelbe weren’t able to take advantage of any of them - and as such, they were made to pay after the break. Dani Carvajal put Real a goal ahead in the 74th minute via a header that fittingly, was delivered by Kroos. Nine minutes later, Vinícius Júnior put the result beyond all doubt after finishing off a chance set up by Jude Bellingham, who’d received the ball in a dangerous position following an error by Dortmund full-back Ian Maatsen.

There can be no question that Kroos has done it all. Seven league titles, four domestic cups, a World Cup title with Germany in 2014, and now - by far the most remarkable statistic of the lot - six Champions League titles. Kroos has been an integral part of the greatest dynasty that football has ever seen.

In stark contrast to the exit of Marco Reus, another German veteran who was ending his own legendary 12-year stint at Dortmund, Kroos went out in a blaze of glory. This was a performance in which the man from Greifswald turned back the clock, resembling the player he was at his absolute peak. Kroos was involved in almost all of Los Merengues’ serious attacking thrusts, making countless key passes and setting up multiple goalscoring opportunities - including the one which ended up being Real’s first goal.

Going back to that day almost a decade ago when Kroos first signed for Real, his stock at the time was already high following the major role he played in Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph. Kroos was signed from Bayern Munich for the now laughably low fee of €25 million. As such, very few at the time could’ve predicted that Kroos would someday go on to become a club icon and a bona fide legend of the Santiago Bernabéu.

By the end of Kroos’ fourth season in Madrid, he’d been one of the core pieces of a historic Champions League three-peat, been named to the FIFPro World XI and UEFA Team of the Year twice as a Real player, and led La Liga in assists in 2016-17. While already an extremely impressive achievement list, Kroos wasn’t even close to done.

Kroos was a major reason why Real didn’t immediately suffer a severe drop-off following the 2018 off-season departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus. Alongside Luka Modrić and Casemiro, Kroos would establish himself as one-third of the greatest midfield trios ever. 

After a lean spell which included back-to-back round of 16 Champions League exits as well as a tame elimination at the hands of England at Euro 2020, some thought Kroos would be in terminal decline from that point on. Instead, Kroos had a bounce-back season in 2021-22, playing an important role in Real’s La Liga and Champions League double before capping it off with another of the same this season.

Taking his entire career into consideration, one can go a step further: Kroos retires as the greatest midfielder to ever come out of Germany. Even compared to icons like Günter Netzer, Wolfgang Overath, Lothar Matthäus, and Mesut Özil, Kroos has surpassed all of them. None of them have the combination of peak level of play, statistical achievements, and individual and team accolades that Kroos has - including (but not by much) Matthäus who was the consensus pick for “greatest ever German midfielder” before Kroos.

With Germany’s national team looking stronger than it has been in years, there’s an opportunity for Toni Kroos to sign off his international career on a high note - if not with a Euro 2024 victory, then at least with a deep run. It would be a fitting way to sign off.