March 20 - The Netherlands have called up 20-year-old midfielder Kees Smit for the first time, naming him in coach Ronald Koeman’s 26-man squad for upcoming friendlies against Norway and Ecuador.
Smit, who plays for AZ Alkmaar, has been tipped by Koeman as a potential World Cup candidate. He joins returning players including goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, defenders Stefan de Vrij and Jorrel Hato, midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, and striker Brian Brobbey.
Hato’s inclusion is notable given his limited minutes at Chelsea. He and De Vrij replace injured defenders Lutsharel Geertruida and Quilindschy Hartman.
Bijlow, now at Genoa after leaving Feyenoord, replaces Sunderland’s Robin Roefs, who is sidelined with injury alongside Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, and Justin Kluivert.
Despite recent injuries, Jurrien Timber and Noa Lang remain in the squad-Lang will undergo thumb surgery after a collision with advertising boards during Galatasaray’s Champions League loss to Liverpool.