Rafael van der Vaart was impressed with Barcelona target Kees Smit after Netherlands debut and tips him to follow Frenkie de Jong path
Kees Smit made his senior debut for the Netherlands national team on Friday, starting in a 2-1 friendly win over Norway and playing 70 minutes.
The 20-year-old AZ Alkmaar midfielder was handed a big opportunity straight away, going straight into the starting line-up on his first call-up. It was not a standout performance, but it was enough to impress former Netherlands midfielder Rafael van der Vaart.
“He was nervous. You could clearly see that. Not a top match, but actually a fine debut,” Van der Vaart said.
The former Real Madrid and Tottenham star was keen to highlight how difficult it is for a young player to step straight into the national team and start a match.
“And let’s see who else can pull that off. I think there are few players who, when called up for the first time, immediately make the starting lineup.”
Van der Vaart also stressed that Smit’s performance should be judged in context, pointing to his own experience breaking into a strong Netherlands side.
“Just try doing that. I think there are very few players who are included for the first time and immediately start in the first team. So I thought it was fine anyway.”
“When I joined, you had players like Edgar Davids, Clarence Seedorf, the De Boer brothers [Frank and Ronald], Jaap Stam. That wasn’t an easy team to get into as a young lad.”
Despite the nerves, Van der Vaart believes Smit has the quality to develop into a key player for the Netherlands in the future.
“I think it’s good that he’s here now [with the senior squad], and we’ll see what comes next. But he certainly has the potential to become the new Frenkie [de Jong], or a very good player.”
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“I think that once he gets a bit used to it, we are going to get a lot of enjoyment out of him,” he added.
Kees Smit vs. Norway pic.twitter.com/UzA5ad9pBc
— ✞ (@MasComps_) March 28, 2026
Could Smit join De Jong at Barcelona next season?
Smit’s rise has not gone unnoticed at club level either. The midfielder has been linked with a summer move, with FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and several Premier League clubs all reportedly interested.
Across 40 appearances this season, he has scored four goals and provided eight assists, showing he can contribute going forward as well as control games from midfield.
Smit has already spoken about his admiration for Leo Messi and Andres Iniesta, and his preference for Spanish football.
“I really enjoyed watching Barça; I grew up watching Iniesta and Messi play, and I consider them two of my role models,” Smit said.
“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.”
For now, his focus will remain on building his place in the Netherlands squad but, at this rate, his next move could come sooner rather than later.