Virgil Van Dijk called up to Netherlands squad

Virgil Van Dijk has been called up to the Netherlands squad for the first time, the Dutch football association have announced.

By The Newsroom

Published 1st Sep 2014, 18:54 BST

Virgil Van Dijk will replace Ron Vlaar. Picture: Jane Barlow

Guus Hiddink has brought in the defender in to replace Ron Vlaar who withdrew with a calf injury picked up playing in Aston Villa’s 2-1 win over Hull City on Sunday.

The Netherlands face Italy in a friendly on Thursday before their Euro 2016 qualifying opener against the Czech Republic next Tuesday.

Van Dijk had narrowly missed out on a place in the 2014 World Cup squad under previous boss Louis van Gaal.