Tuesday 29 March 2016 15:12, UK
After failing to qualify for Euro 2016, Netherlands head coach Danny Blind has decided to plan for the future with his recent squad selection.
The likes of Robin van Persie, Nigel de Jong and Rafael van der Vaart have been omitted while several younger players have been handed their chance to impress.
But is the future bright for the Oranje? We take a look at five young prospects who have caught the eye...
Vincent Janssen - AZ Alkmaar
Few players have had as good a start to 2016 as Janssen. The AZ forward has scored 14 goals in 11 appearances since the turn of the year, netting in all but one game he has played.
Not only has his form earned him his first call-up to the Netherlands squad, but also plenty of admiration.
"He is playing fantastic football, and deserves a lot of credit," said Ajax head coach Frank de Boer. "The next step could be Feyenoord, PSV or Ajax. It is becoming increasingly interesting. If Janssen can keep it up, we would be crazy to do nothing about him."
With his finishing ability likened to Ruud van Nistelrooy's, the 21-year-old could well attract more interest in the summer and could be a future regular at international level.
Riechedly Bazoer - Ajax
Technically gifted and combative, Bazoer has been a regular in the Ajax first team for a season and a half now. Playing as a box-to-box or defensive midfielder, the 18-year-old has drawn comparisons to Frank Rijkaard, Clarence Seedorf and Patrick Vieira.
"I believe in myself and I'm not afraid of anybody," he says. "[Vieira] was calm on the ball, physically strong and technically proficient. These are qualities I can also develop."
Bazoer has already turned down the chance to move to the Premier League as he rejected an offer from Manchester City before joining Ajax from PSV as a 16-year-old. However, it has been reported that incoming City boss Pep Guardiola is keen on the midfielder, who has earned rave reviews in the Netherlands.
"Riechedly is just a great talent," says De Boer. "He is so talented and stable, I see him as a major force in the future of Ajax and Dutch football."
Jetro Willems - PSV
Like Bazoer, Willems has reportedly caught the eye of Guardiola as he plans his rebuilding job at Manchester City. A full-back who likes to get forward, the 21-year-old missed the first half of the season with injury but has slotted back into the team in 2016.
He formed a strong partnership with Memphis Depay during his time at PSV and has continued to flourish in the Eredivisie. However, with his contract set to expire next year, there has been plenty speculation that he will soon move abroad.
Netherlands legend Johan Cruyff has previously said he thinks Willems can be the "Dutch left-back for many years".
"I enjoyed watching the lad. He is technically strong," added Cruyff.
Timo Letschert - Utrecht
The centre-back has been called up to the Netherlands squad for the first time after a solid season at the heart of the Utrecht defence. Dutch coach Danny Blind has called the 22-year-old a "reasonably complete defender".
"What I mean by that is he has a good defensive insight and also footballing capability and a physical presence," said Blind. "We have followed him closely in terms of specifics especially since the winter break and he has made a good impression."
Letschert is strong in the air, comfortable in possession and should add some steel to the Dutch backline.
Rick Karsdorp - Feyenoord
Another first-time call-up, right-back Karsdorp has been handed his chance to impress following the withdrawal of Daryl Janmaat.
Like the Newcastle defender, Karsdorp likes to get forward down the flank and has provided eight assists in the Eredivisie this season. However, he is also strong defensively and has established himself as a key player for Feyenoord in 2015/16.
