The 20-year-old midfielder has received his first senior call-up to the Netherlands squad, as powerhouses such as Real Madrid and Barcelona prepare for a high-stakes summer pursuit
Kees Smit’s rapid ascent in Dutch football is set to reach a new milestone this week as he prepares for his international debut with the Netherlands.
National team coach Ronald Koeman confirmed during a press conference that the AZ Alkmaar standout will see playing time during the current international break, which features home friendlies against Norway on March 27 in Amsterdam and Ecuador on March 31 in Eindhoven.
Koeman, who has been tracking the midfielder’s progress for months, cited Smit’s “incredible consistency” and unique technical ability as the primary reasons for the maiden call-up.
“It is exciting for him; then we will see how he holds his own,” Koeman said. “Would Johan Cruyff take a Kees Smit type to the World Cup? Johan has always been a coach who gave youth a chance and wasn’t afraid – and I am only talking at the level of Barcelona here, to throw in [Pep] Guardiola.
“If you look at my career as a coach, at who I have given their debut: that is a whole laundry list. So I have never hesitated to give young players a chance either. If you have confidence in that, I am not afraid to field someone.”
Often compared to Barcelona star Pedri, the youngster is widely regarded as one of the most promising talents to emerge from the Eredivisie in recent years.
The timing of Smit’s international breakthrough coincides with intense speculation regarding his club future.
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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has described the upcoming summer window as a “big battle” for the 20-year-old’s signature, with super-agent Jorge Mendes reportedly orchestrating interest from several of Europe’s elite.
While Premier League giants Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea have all dispatched scouts to Alkmaar, Smit has been vocal about his preference for LaLiga.
Citing a desire for a warmer climate and a personal admiration for the Barcelona style of play, he appears to have set his sights on a move to Catalonia.
Kees Smit: A fan of Barcelona and LaLiga
Smit’s impact at AZ this season has been undeniable, with the young midfielder contributing significantly to the club’s domestic and European campaigns.
Across 40 appearances in all competitions, he has managed four goals and eight assists, demonstrating that he is more than just an anchored deep-lying midfielder.
Despite his growing reputation, Smit remains grounded, often reflecting on his childhood role models, Leo Messi and Andres Iniesta, while expressing a deep-rooted affection for the “Barça” style of play.
“I really enjoyed watching Barça; I grew up watching Iniesta and Messi play, and I consider them two of my role models,” Smit said in a recent interview.
“Ideally, I’d like to take the next step at another team in the Netherlands, but I don’t think that’s going to happen. I love the sun; I’m tired of playing in so much cold and rain, so I’d love to go and play in Spain.”