De Jong gets Under-21 call

AJAX youngster Nigel De Jong continues his climb to the top as coach Wim Koevermans names him in the Oranje Under-21 squad.

The 16-year-old defender, a product of the world famous Ajax youth academy, has earned rave reviews from club coach Ronald Koeman.

He recently made his first-team debut for the Amsterdam giants, replacing the suspended Cristian Chivu in the 3-0 win over Willem II.

Koeman went with the youngster ahead of more established players Petri Pasanen and Abubakari Yakuba and Koevermans is confident he can make the step-up to the Under 21s.

Full under 21 squad:

Guido Buziak (Top Oss), Gino Countinho (PSV); Jurgen Colin (NAC), Glenn Loovens (Feyenoord); Michael Dingsdag (Vitesse), Aje Schut (FC Utrecht), Nigel de Jong (Ajax), Khalid Boulahrouz (RKC Waalwijk); Rogier Molhoek (RKC Waalwijk), Salid Boutahar (Excelsior), Youssouf Hersi (NEC), Nicky Hofs (Vitesse), robin Van Persie (Feyenoord); Eddy Putter (RKC Waalwijk), Arjen Robben (PSV), Santi Kolk (SC Heerenveen), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (PSV)