HOLLAND boss Danny Blind has criticised Marten de Roon's ball-playing skills, and claimed the Middlesbrough midfielder has to be more dynamic in possession if he is to secure a place in the Dutch international squad.

Blind needed a replacement for the injured Kevin Strootman as he pondered his squad for a friendly with Belgium, but opted for Heerenveen’s Stijn Schaars rather than de Roon, who scored his first Boro goal in last weekend's 1-1 draw at Manchester City.

Blind has been closely monitoring de Roon’s performances since he made a €12m move to Teesside, and says the 25-year-old has to improve with the ball at his feet before he will consider him for an international place.

“I’m talking about a difference in football power (between de Roon and Schaars),” said Blind. “De Roon is watched frequently, and he is a great lad to have in your team.

“He sacrifices himself and thinks about the team’s interest, but in possession he is too flat and too reserved. I don’t find that’s the case with Schaars.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma is set to return to first-team action in his side’s game at Middlesbrough on November 20 after featuring in the Blues’ Checkatrade Trophy draw with Oxford United on Tuesday.