Ruud Vormer awarded with first Netherlands call-up for friendlies

Coach Ronald Koeman called up FC Brugge midfielder Ruud Vormer yesterday for the first time as part of his 25-man Netherlands squad to play friendlies against Slovakia and Italy.

Vormer earned his inclusion as a key member of the Brugge team that won the Belgian league.

Huddersfield defender Terence Kongolo was also named in the squad and could play his first international since November 2015.

The Netherlands did not qualify for the World Cup in Russia and Koeman is in the process of rebuilding the team that has failed to qualify for the last two major tournaments after reaching the semifinals of the World Cup in Brazil four years ago.

The Netherlands plays Slovakia on May 31 in Trnava, and Italy on June 4 in Turin. Netherlands: Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Barcelona), Sergio Padt (FC Groningen), Jeroen Zoet (PSV Eindhoven).

Defenders: Patrick van Aanholt (Crystal Palace), Nathan Ake (Bournemouth), Daley Blind (Manchester United), Hans Hateboer (Atalanta), Daryl Janmaat (Watford), Terence Kongolo (Huddersfield Town), Matthijs de Ligt (Ajax), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Stefan de Vrij (Lazio Roma).

Midfielders: Donny van de Beek (Ajax), Davy Propper (Brighton), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Kevin Strootman (Roma), Tonny Vilhena (Feyenoord), Ruud Vormer (FC Brugge) , Georginio Wijnaldum (Liverpool).

Forwards: Ryan Babel (Besiktas), Steven Berghuis (Feyenoord), Memphis Depay (Lyon), Eljero Elia (Basaksehir), Quincy Promes (Spartak Moscow), Wout Weghorst (AZ Alkmaar).