Van Gaal recalls Van der Wiel, De Jong

The Netherlands have brought back Gregory van der Wiel and Nigel de Jong to their squad for World Cup qualifiers with Hungary and Turkey.

Paris Saint-Germain defender Van der Wiel and Milan midfielder De Jong boost the Group D-leaders’ stocks considerably, ahead of their clashes in Amsterdam and Istanbul.

Louis van Gaal’s men have already secured their spot in Brazil, however, with an eight-point advantage from second-place Hungary.

The Dutch boss said Van der Wiel deserved recognition for stringing together some solid performances at club level.

“Van der Wiel has played five matches in a row for the first time since I became the head coach last year,” Van Gaal said.

“He plays on a high level in the Champions League, so it is logic I named him.”

Stars Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder were all included for the dead rubbers.

Ajax Amsterdam goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen was included in the squad for the matches on October 11 and 15, although will likely deputise to Tim Krul or Michel Vorm if he earns a spot in the matchday squad.

PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet, Augsburg defender Paul Verhaegh, Feyenoord attacker Ruben Schaken and Norwich City striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel were the notable absentees.

Netherlands squad:

Goalkeepers: Tim Krul (Newcastle United), Michel Vorm (Swansea City), Jasper Cillessen (Ajax)

Defenders:
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Daley Blind (Ajax), Jeffrey Bruma (PSV), Daryl Janmaat (Feyenoord), Bruno Martins Indi (Feyenoord), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa), Stefan de Vrij (Feyenoord), Gregory van der Wiel (Paris Saint-Germain), Jetro Willems (PSV)

Midfielders: Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Jonathan de Guzman (Swansea City), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Stijn Schaars (PSV), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Kevin Strootman (AS Roma), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburger SV)

Forwards: Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce), Jeremain Lens (Dinamo Kiev), Robin van Persie (Manchester United), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Memphis Depay (PSV)