Former Holland coach Guus Hiddink admits he's sorry Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech was lost to the country.

Born and raised in Holland, Ziyech committed his international career to Morocco early in his career. Hiddink called up Ziyech for Holland when the midfielder was with Twente, but never capped him.

“I really wanted Ziyech to play against Latvia, my last international match," Hiddink, also a former Chelsea manager and football adviser, told Algemeen Dagblad via Voetbalzone.

“But he got injured in the run-up. He seemed to me like a boy who senses whether something is genuine."

Hiddink says he's a fan of Ziyech. Despite the midfielder's problems at Chelsea, Hiddink is convinced by Ziyech's talent. Indeed, he has offered advice on how best to manage the Morocco international.

Hiddink added: "You don't have to tell him you're high on him, he has to feel it. It's a shame, he really could have played for Oranje."

Ziyech was handed a rare start by Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel for victory at Newcastle United, while he remains on the outer of Morocco coach Vahid Halilhodzic's plans after their falling out earlier this season.

With Chelsea this term, Ziyech has played nine games, scoring once and producing one assist.

- updated November 1