Rafael van der Vaart Praises Manchester United-Linked Kees Smit as a 'Unique Talent'
Dutch football icon Rafael van der Vaart has described Kees Smit, a midfielder linked with Manchester United, as a 'unique talent', suggesting he could follow in the footsteps of Frenkie de Jong. Smit, who plays for AZ Alkmaar, has attracted significant attention after a standout season in the Eredivisie and impressive performances at the European Under-19 Championship.
Breakout Season and International Debut
Kees Smit, aged 20, enjoyed a remarkable breakout campaign with AZ Alkmaar last term, establishing himself as one of the most promising young players in Dutch football. His assured displays in the Eredivisie were followed by a stellar showing at the European Under-19 Championship, where he helped the Netherlands win the title, finishing as top scorer and earning the Player of the Tournament award.
On Friday evening, Smit reached another milestone by making his senior international debut for the Netherlands in a 2-1 victory over Norway. Named in Ronald Koeman's squad for the first time, the youngster is now focused on securing a spot in the World Cup squad as the Netherlands prepare to face Ecuador on Tuesday.
Transfer Interest and Price Tag
A report from The Athletic ahead of the January transfer window revealed that Manchester United had been alerted to Smit's talent and were 'showing interest' in a potential deal. Other clubs, including Barcelona, Newcastle, and Borussia Dortmund, are also monitoring the situation.
In response, AZ Alkmaar have set a hefty price tag of €60 million (approximately £52 million) on their prized asset, anticipating a possible bidding frenzy in the summer transfer window. Smit's current contract with the club runs until June 2028.
Van der Vaart's Assessment and Potential
After Smit's international debut, Van der Vaart provided his analysis to ESPN, noting that while the youngster's performance was not flawless, he showed great promise. 'I think it's good that he's included because he is a unique talent that you have to groom to let take over at some point,' Van der Vaart stated.
He added, 'You could clearly see that. He didn't play a top game, but he made a fine debut. There are few players who have been included in the squad for the first time and have been included in the starting line-up immediately.' Van der Vaart believes that with more experience, Smit could become a key player for the Netherlands and potentially emulate Frenkie de Jong's success.
Additional Endorsements and Future Prospects
Smit's performances have also caught the eye of former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, who encouraged the club to consider a move for the Dutchman in a recent YouTube video. Ferdinand praised Smit's versatility and high standard of play, highlighting him as a player to watch.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Smit's future remains a topic of intense speculation. With his talent and potential, he is poised to be a significant figure in both club and international football, drawing comparisons to some of the game's elite midfielders.
