Kees Smit, a 20-year-old midfielder, has been called up for the first time to the Netherlands national team, in a 26-player list announced this Friday by coach Ronald Koeman for this month's friendly matches. The call-up for the preparation games for the World Cup, against Norway in Amsterdam (March 27) and Ecuador in Eindhoven (March 31), is marked by several returns. Goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, defenders Stefan de Vrij and Jorrel Hato, midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, and forward Brian Brobbey are back in the team's options. Ronald Koeman had previously suggested that the young AZ Alkmaar player was a strong candidate for a spot on the national team, and Smit will now have the opportunity to showcase his potential. However, the call-up of Jorrel Hato comes as a surprise, given his limited playing time at Chelsea. Along with De Vrij, Hato replaces Lutsharel Geertruida and Quilindschy Hartman, both playing in the Premier League. In attack, Brian Brobbey has been called up again a year after his last selection. In goal, Justin Bijlow, who has regained form at Genoa after leaving Feyenoord, takes the place of Robin Roefs from Sunderland, who is injured. The list of unavailable players due to injury also includes names like Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, and Justin Kluivert. Despite recent injuries, Jurrien Timber and Noa Lang have been included in the call-up. Lang will need to undergo surgery on his right thumb after suffering a serious injury during Galatasaray's match against Liverpool in the Champions League. Goalkeepers: Justin Bijlow (Genoa), Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion). Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool), Stefan de Vrij, Denzel Dumfries (both Inter), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion). Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Jerdy Schouten (PSV Eindhoven), Xavi Simons (Tottenham Hotspur), Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar), Quinten Timber (Marseille), Luciano Valente (Feyenoord). Forwards: Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Noa Lang (Galatasaray), Donyell Malen (Roma), Wout Weghorst (Ajax).
Midfielder Set Shake Up Europe remains central to this story.
Midfielder Set Shake Up Europe remains central to this story.
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