Babel Boerrigter make Dutch call up

THE HAGUE (AFP) – Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk on Monday called up Ajax striker Derk Boerrigter for the first time and also included Ryan Babel for the first time in over a year for friendlies against Switzerland and Germany next week.

“I’m really happy that the coach has confidence in me again,” said 24-year-old Babel, who moved from Liverpool to Hoffenheim during the summer break.

“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 Tuesday next week because of injury.

Goalkeepers: Maarten Stekelenburg (AS Roma/ITA), Michel Vorm (Swansea City/ENG), Tim Krul (Newcastle United/ENG)

Defenders: Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax), Vurnon Anita (Ajax), Khalid Boulahrouz (VfB 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)

Strikers: Dirk Kuijt (Liverpool/ENG), Robin van Persie (Arsenal/ENG), Ryan Babel (Hoffenheim/GER), Klaas Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04/GER), Luuk de Jong (FC Twente), Derk Boerrigter (Ajax)