Ajax midfielder Siem de Jong has been called up to the Netherlands squad for the upcoming friendlies with Japan and Colombia.

  • By Michael Bell
  • Follow Michael on Twitter

nether siemDe Jong was left out of the Provisional and finalised squads, but received a call up by coach Louis van Gaal on Monday to replace the injured Dirk Kuyt.

Kuyt suffered an injury during Fenerbahce’s victory over arch rivals Galatasaray on Sunday and decided to pull out of the squad leaving Robin van Persie as the only recognised forward in the selection.

With Ricky van Wolfswinkel just back from injury, Klaas jan Huntelaar unavailable and Luuk de Jong out of form, Van Gaal was short of striking options.

Siem de Jong impressed for Ajax last season in a forward role, and netted two goals against NEC Nijmegen at the weekend when pushed forward.

The Ajax captain can now stake a claim for a place at next summer’s World Cup with good performances against Japan on Saturday, and Colombia the following Tuesday.

Since making his senior debut in 2010 against Ukraine, De Jong has four caps and two goals for the national side.

Fellow Ajax star Daley Blind was a doubt to join up with the Netherlands squad after suffering an ankle injury against NEC Nijmegen, but its been confirmed that the left back is fit enough for the two friendlies.




admin (14203 Posts)

Follow @Footballoranje_ on Twitter