Euro 2020: Donyell Malen chasing starting spot with Netherlands in round of 16

Donyell Malen would be disappointed not to start in Netherlands’ round of 16 match after impressing in their last two Euro 2020 games. Malen, who is a young striker, is vying one of the few positions in the Dutch side which isn’t nailed on.

Wout Weghorst is currently proffered alongside Memphis Depay, but one will not rule out Malen to feature instead of the Bundesliga man.

Malen made an impact after coming on against Austria in Netherlands’ second game and continued his fruitful tournament by setting up Depay for the opening goal in the final group game against North Macedonia.

Netherlands won each of their 3 group games and as a result are one of only 2 teams to enter the knockout stage with a perfect record.

“I would be disappointed if I didn’t play in Budapest, that would be naturally human, right?” he told a news conference on Tuesday.

“But it is the coach who decides who plays. We still have enough training sessions in which to try and make it as difficult as possible for the trainer to not leave you out.”

Luuk de Jong was the first-choice strike partner for Memphis Depay but recently Wout Weghorst has staked his claim. At the moment, Donyell Malen looks like a brilliant option as his pace gives the side another dimension which will be important against sides that will keep a high line.

“I think Memphis and I are a good match as players. Memphis and Georginio Wijnaldum are so experienced, those guys know what’s being asked of them in the game. It’s nice to be able to team up with players at that level. They help at times with positioning, when we have to put pressure and stuff like that,” said Malen.

“When I made my debut, Memphis helped me a lot. That good feeling gets stronger with time, if you train more and play with each other more. There were definitely times when we both came into our own but, of course, it can always be better.”