Depay fit to start for Netherlands' World Cup opener against Japan

Memphis Depay is fit and ready to start for the Netherlands in their World Cup opener against Japan, according to coach Ronald Koeman. Koeman described the experienced forward as a vital player in the Oranje's quest for their first world title.

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Memphis is fit and ready to start the match. His progress has been very positive and everything looks good.

Depay, the Netherlands' all-time leading scorer with 55 international goals, recently returned to action in May after a nearly two-month layoff due to injury. The 32-year-old forward, currently playing for Corinthians, faced a challenging year marked by struggles with form and fitness. However, Koeman indicated that Depay would lead the attack against Japan in the modern indoor stadium in Dallas, home to the NFL's Dallas Cowboys.

Koeman stated he had informed the players about the starting lineup but declined to reveal it to the media. Depay did not play in the Netherlands' 2-1 friendly win over Uzbekistan but featured for one half in their 0-1 friendly loss to Algeria. "Memphis is fit and ready to start the match. His progress has been very positive and everything looks good," Koeman said. "He is a very important player for the team. For a long time, he has played a big role and is one of the key elements of our success in this World Cup."

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He is a very important player for the team. For a long time, he has played a big role and is one of the key elements of our success in this World Cup.

Alongside Depay, agile winger Crysencio Summerville is also being seriously considered for a starting role. Summerville enjoyed a strong season with West Ham United, despite their relegation from the Premier League. Koeman believes Summerville offers a different dimension to the Dutch playing style. "We don't have many players who can play well on the right side but are more comfortable moving from the left," Koeman explained. "For that reason, he completes the team's balance and there is a high probability he will play tomorrow."

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We don't have many players who can play well on the right side but are more comfortable moving from the left. For that reason, he completes the team's balance and there is a high probability he will play tomorrow.

The Netherlands, three-time World Cup runners-up, are once again considered among the main contenders to advance far in the tournament held in North America. However, the Oranje will be without several key players due to injury, including forward Xavi Simons and defender Jurrien Timber. Despite not fielding a full-strength squad, Koeman acknowledged the constant pressure that accompanies his team on the world's biggest stage. "The pressure is always there. The Netherlands may not be a large country in terms of size, but we are always present in major tournaments, and we set high expectations for ourselves," he said.

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The pressure is always there. The Netherlands may not be a large country in terms of size, but we are always present in major tournaments, and we set high expectations for ourselves.