Donyell Malen made a big impression against North Macedonia (0-3) on Monday evening, the absolute highlight being his front assist in Georginio Wijnaldum’s third goal in the second half. Frank de Boer first opted for Malen alongside Memphis Depay in the attack, after Wout Weghorst was preferred in the first two group matches. The performance in the Johan Cruijff ArenA tastes like more, but Malen is certainly not yet rich with a view to the eighth final of the European Championship.
“Whether I would be disappointed if I didn’t play in Budapest (Sunday, ed.)?” Malen wondered aloud at the press conference on Tuesday afternoon. To then answer his own question: “That would be very human, right? But the trainer decides who plays. We still have enough training days, of course you try to make it as difficult as possible for the trainer.” There was no impatience or annoyance with Malen when De Boer opted for Weghorst next to Depay against Ukraine (3-2) and Austria (2-0). “No, that is not that bad, although every player naturally wants to start at the European Championship,” emphasizes Malen, who looks back on a good collaboration with Malen in the front line of the Dutch.
“I think we are a good match as players,” the PSV attacker continues. “Whether we think the same? I don’t know. Memphis and Georginio Wijnaldum are so experienced, those guys know what is being asked. It is very nice to be able to play with that together. They know where to stand and where to put pressure. When I made my debut in the Dutch, Memphis already helped me a lot. With time, that good feeling gets stronger and stronger, as you train more and play games with each other. There were certainly moments when we both came into our own strength (against North Macedonia , ed.), although of course it can always be better,” Malen looks critically at his performance on Monday evening.
Cody Gakpo, the first debutant at a European Championship with the Dutch since 1980, is especially proud of his first minutes of play on behalf of the Netherlands. “I worked hard for this and I’m very happy that it happened,” the debuting attacker exults during Tuesday’s press moment. “And I’m also happy to be able to share this moment with Donyell and Denzel Dumfries.” Gakpo does notice a big difference with PSV at the Dutch, where he seems to be higher in the pecking order. “Here I ended up in a team that was new to me, then you have to show yourself. And try to enforce your own chances. Fortunately, we succeeded yesterday (Monday, ed.)”, concludes the wing attacker.
Football zone keeps you informed about everything about EURO 2020
Curious about the current position, the competition program and much more European Championship news? Click here!