Netherlands international Memphis Depay is pleased to have received a free role at Lyon during the backend of the season. The Dutchman has been in outstanding form of late with five goals and five assists in just four league games, and he is aiming to continue the run for the remainder of the campaign.

Speaking on Lyon’s official website, he said: “I think I’m at my best right now. I feel very free on the field. I have confidence, and that’s good. I don’t think too much about the pitch. I’m just enjoying the moment. I’ve felt the difference since the beginning of the season. It’s important for me to play every match the best I can. If I can give assists or score goals, that’s fine. Obviously I’m really happy when I score, but first and foremost I want to play well. I want to be at my best every game and have fun. The rest will come naturally.”

Memphis has plyed his trade on the wings for most of his career but he has found a new dimension to his game in 2018 where he has been allowed to play through the middle. As such, Lyon have jumped ahead of Marseille on goal difference, and they now need to win their remaining games by solid margins in order to preserve their third spot.

Both Marseille and Lyon have been chasing for the final Champions League place during the backend of the season, but the latter seem to have the advantage of an easier schedule. Unlike Lyon, Marseille have a couple of Europa League semi-final games against Red Bull Salzburg to contend with, and this may hamper their domestic form. Marseille could of course qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League altogether, but for this, they may need to beat one or Arsenal or Atletico Madrid, who remain favourites for the competition.