The Rising Stardom of Kees Smit

The excitement surrounding Kees Smit has reached unprecedented levels, particularly in England, where discussions about the talented midfielder from AZ have become a daily occurrence.

There is growing speculation regarding Smit’s market value, with many English fans questioning whether he could command a transfer fee of £100 million. The young international, who may join the senior Dutch national team for the 2026 World Cup, is attracting attention from several top clubs in the Premier League. Liverpool has shown interest, as previously reported by SoccerNews, but Newcastle United appears particularly eager to secure his services.

Dutch national coach Ronald Koeman recently commented on Smit’s abilities, stating, “I won’t say too much about him, as it may confuse people. I’ve also seen Pedri, and I notice similar qualities in Smit. What he displays at such a young age is impressive.” He later reflected on this statement, expressing a hint of regret for making the comparison: “I’m almost regretting mentioning a name, but there are players who possess special qualities. He plays in a similar position, demonstrating skills like turning, scanning the field, and two-footedness, which I observed in Pedri. If he achieves even half of Pedri’s career success, we will be very pleased in the Netherlands.”