Rafael van der Vaart has labelled Kees Smit a ‘unique talent’, claiming the Manchester United-linked midfielder has the potential to change into the brand new Frenkie de Jong.
Smit enjoyed an attention-grabbing breakout season with AZ Alkmaar last term, establishing himself as considered one of the brightest young talents in Dutch football with a series of assured displays within the Eredivisie.
The 20-year-old followed this up with a powerful showing last 12 months’s European Under-19 Championship, helping the Netherlands win the title while ending as the highest scorer and claiming the Player of the Tournament award.
There was one other significant milestone on Friday evening as Smit made his senior international debut within the Netherlands’ 2-1 win over Norway having been named in Ronald Koeman’s squad for the primary time.
The teenager will little doubt be wanting to strenghten his case for a spot in Koeman’s World Cup squad when the Netherlands return to motion against Ecuador on Tuesday evening.
A report from The Athletic ahead of the January transfer window claimed Manchester United had been alerted to Smit’s talent and were ‘showing interest’ in a possible deal, together with the likes of Barcelona, Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund.
It’s understood AZ Alkmaar have responded by slapping a hefty €60million (£52m) price tag on their prized possession as they brace themselves for a possible bidding frenzy in the summertime.
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After Smit’s international debut against Norway, Dutch icon Van der Vaart told ESPN that the teenager’s overall display was removed from perfect in certain areas.
Nevertheless, the previous Tottenham and Real Madrid star is glad to see Smit given a chance and believes the midfielder has the potential to be a key player for his country going forward.
‘I believe it’s good that he’s included because he’s a novel talent that you might have to groom to let take over in some unspecified time in the future,’ Van der Vaart said.
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‘You may clearly see that. He didn’t play a top game, but he made a effective debut.
‘There are few players who’ve been included within the squad for the primary time and have been included within the starting line-up immediately.
‘We’ll see what happens. But he has the potential to change into the brand new Frenkie de Jong.’
Van der Vaart backed Smit to grow in confidence once he gets more experience under his belt within the international arena.
‘I assumed it was logical that he’s included,’ he added.
‘I also know there was a variety of criticism, but I believe that after he gets used to things a bit, we’re going to get a variety of enjoyment out of him.’
Smit’s performances have also caught the eye of a certain Rio Ferdinand, who encouraged United to explore a possible deal for the Dutchman in a video on his YouTube channel last month.
‘The are other midfielders available in the market as well, a few young ones,’ Ferdinand explained after discussing the professionals and cons of United’s two other midfield targets Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.
‘Kees Smit, I like him lots. For those who don’t know who he’s, go and have a take a look at him, guys! Kees Smit is a player.
‘He’s a young midfielder, he can do a little bit of the whole lot really and he’s performing to a superb standard.’
Smit’s current contract in Alkmaar runs through to June 2028.
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