Dutchman Frank de Boer, who is currently managing AFC Ajax, is the latest to compare compatriot Memphis Depay to Cristiano Ronaldo and stated that even Ronaldo faced similar problems during his development at Manchester United FC.
There has been a lot of hype surrounding 21 year old Dutch player Memphis Depay, with many pundits, coaches and players likening him to prolific Portugese winger Cristiano Ronaldo. Frank de Boer who had the chance to witness Depay’s breakout season at PSV Eindhoven in Netherlands’ first hand as the coach of Ajax has said that the speculation surrounding his development is similar to when Ronaldo was a youngster at Old Trafford.
“Cristiano Ronaldo did not directly reach the summit when he [first] came to Manchester United,a he said to De Telegraaf (via Goal.com . ). a I remember that there was much doubt about whether he would make it.
a He was primarily criticised for his weird antics and mocked as a circus act – but look where he is now.”
But de Boer also said that there are a lot of things that the young winger would need to do if he wants to fulfill his potential.
a Memphis has the potential to succeed at the very top, but there are still some things to look at… Can he withstand a set-back? Is he prepared to roll up his sleeves when it doesn’t come so easy? Is he self-critical?a , he said.
The Magic Number 7
Since Ronaldo’s departure for Real Madrid in 2009, Manchester United have been on the hunt for another player to bring glory and pride to the number 7 shirt which has also been worn by club legends like George Best, David Beckham and Eric Cantona.
Upon his arrival Manchester United, Memphis Depay was hailed as that player but has so far failed to live up to the expectations. His recent return to the starting XI saw him play a much improved game and score the opening goal for the club and the hope is that he can carry on in a similar vein.