London - Arabstoday
Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk today called up Ajax striker Derk Boerrigter for the first time, and also included Ryan Babel after more than a year, for friendlies against Switzerland and Germany. \"I\'m really happy that the coach has confidence in me again,\" said 24-year-old Babel, who moved from Liverpool to Hoffenheim in January. \"I know I have to play better.\" Boerrigter, 25, expressed his \"great pride\" after moving up from a second division Dutch side last year to join RKC Waalwijk and now Ajax. Arjen Robben and Eljero Elia have not been included in the squad for the games on Friday and next Tuesday because of injury. Netherlands squad: Goalkeepers: Maarten Stekelenburg (Roma/ITA), Michel Vorm (Swansea City/ENG), Tim Krul (Newcastle United/ENG) Defenders: Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax), Vurnon Anita (Ajax), Khalid Boulahrouz (Stuttgart/GER), Edson Braafheid (Hoffenheim/GER), John Heitinga (Everton/ENG), Joris Mathijsen (Malaga/ESP), Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord) Midfielders: Mark van Bommel (AC Milan/ITA), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City/ENG), Stijn Schaars (Sporting/POR), Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan/ITA), Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham Hotspur/ENG), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV), Kevin Strootman (PSV) Forwards: Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool/ENG), Robin van Persie (Arsenal/ENG), Ryan Babel (Hoffenheim/GER), Klaas Jan Huntelaar (Schalke/GER), Luuk de Jong (FC Twente), Derk Boerrigter (Ajax)