ESPN analysts do not rule out a positive change for former PSV player in the Netherlands forward line: ‘He keeps all options open’

In the past two friendly matches, former PSV player Donyell Malen played up front for the Netherlands national team. Despite a wealth of chances, Malen was unable to find the back of the net in the matches against Algeria (0-1) and Uzbekistan (2-1).

Because of this, ESPN analyst Arnold Bruggink thinks that national team coach Ronald Koeman might just decide to position Malen on the right wing. ''Koeman simply has enormous confidence in Memphis, and you can feel that as a player. It is also very nice when a coach from time to time says: you are just my guy'', said Bruggink on the program Voetbalpraat on ESPN.

The past half season saw Malen operate on a loan basis for AS Roma, and the former PSV forward scored fourteen goals in eighteen competitive matches. Thanks in part to this, the squad from the red side of Rome finished in third place, meaning the club will be active in the Champions League next season.

Despite this, Malen has not had his sights set sharply on the last two matches with Oranje, and according to Bruggink this could work to the advantage of Memphis Depay, who was for many years the regular striker under Koeman and this season has especially struggled with his fitness. ''Of course Koeman also knows that Malen can still be moved to the right. He keeps all options open, and that is what Koeman generally likes to do'', continues the former PSV player.

Fellow analyst Kees Kwakman also thinks that Koeman will not let a positional change for Malen pass without considering it, and according to Kwakman the former PSV striker could have prevented this debate by scoring against Algeria and Uzbekistan. ''Maybe he will still move with Malen to the right. If he just makes two, you’ll hear nothing at all anymore—so simple as that'', concludes the man from Volendam.