Amsterdam, Nov 4: Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk named Derk Boerrigter in his 23-man squad Friday for friendlies against Switzerland and Germany, handing the promising Ajax left winger his first senior international call-up.
The announcement marked the latest highlight in 25-year-old Boerrigter's rise from playing in the second-tier Jupiler League last season to cementing a place in Ajax's starting team this year.
Van Marwijk also recalled Hoffenheim forward Ryan Babel for the first time in nearly a year for the matches on Nov. 11 against Switzerland in Amsterdam and four days later against Germany in Hamburg.
Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben misses both matches because of a groin injury, but midfield playmaker Wesley Sneijder returns from injury after missing the team's last two European Championship qualifiers.
Van Marwijk also selected in-form striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar despite reports that he broke his nose in Schalke's goalless draw with Larnaca in the Europa League on Thursday night. Huntelaar left the pitch late in the match with blood pouring from his nose after colliding with a teammate.
The Netherlands easily won its qualification group to secure a berth at Euro 2012.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Maarten Stekelenburg (Roma), Michel Vorm (Swansea City), Tim Krul (Newcastle United)
Defenders: Vurnon Anita (Ajax), Khalid Boulahrouz (Stuttgart), Edson Braafheid (Hoffenheim), John Heitinga (Everton), Joris Mathijsen (Malaga), Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord), Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax)
Midfielders: Mark van Bommel (AC Milan), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City), Stijn Schaars (Sporting Lisbon), Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan), Kevin Strootman (PSV Eindhoven), Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham Hotspur), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV Eindhoven)
Forwards: Ryan Babel (Hoffenheim), Derk Boerrigter (Ajax), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke), Luuk de Jong (Twente), Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool), Robin van Persie (Arsenal)
