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Depay, De Jong set to start in Nations League quarter-final, says Koeman

Ronald Koeman revealed some early team news before the Netherlands' clash with Spain, with Memphis Depay and Frenkie De Jong set to start.

Ronald Koeman has confirmed that Memphis Depay will lead the line for the Netherlands in the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final with Spain on Thursday. 

Depay has not featured for the Netherlands since the European Championships last summer, a tournament where he scored just one goal across his six starts in Germany. 

The 31-year-old had been without a club since parting ways with Atletico Madrid after one season in the Spanish capital, and joined Brazilian side Corinthians last September. 

Depay has scored nine goals and registered 11 assists in 29 appearances across all competitions, earning him a recall to the national team where he is close to making history. 

The former Manchester United forward is just five goals away from becoming the Netherlands' all-time top scorer, with Robin Van Persie (50) currently at the top. 

Should he feature in both legs of their quarter-final clash with Spain, he will also become the ninth Dutch player to make 100 appearances for his country. 

Koeman travelled to Brazil to watch Depay in action before confirming his latest squad, and believes the attacker is now back to his very best. 

"The way I saw Memphis in Brazil and the way I see him now, how he has come in and how fresh he looks in training, it does give me confidence for tomorrow," Koeman said. 

"In terms of fitness, he is fitter than in the run-up to the European Championship."

Koeman was also able to reveal that Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong would be fit to start against Spain after missing his club's 4-2 win over Atletico Madrid with a stomach problem.

De Jong also missed the start of the season with an ankle injury for Hansi Flick's side, resulting in his absence for the start of the Netherlands' Nations League campaign. 

The 27-year-old has since recovered from that issue and made 29 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona, though there were still questions over his fitness. 

"We'll see tomorrow, but as far as I'm concerned, I can play 90 minutes," De Jong told the same press conference.

"I'm completely fit again, and I don't have any problems with my ankle any more."

Bournemouth's Justin Kluivert is also expected to add to his three caps this time around, having made his international comeback last November after a six-year absence. 

Kluivert has been in fine form for the Cherries this season, notching 20 goal involvements (13 goals, seven assists) across 32 appearances in all competitions. 

"I have always believed in his qualities, but he has made many wandering choices in his career," Koeman said.

"Justin has developed tremendously in several aspects. Particularly in the intensity of playing. 

"If you can hold your own in the Premier League, then that is a great step in your career."

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