Unveiling Europe's Next Midfield Maestro: Kees Smit's Ascent to Stardom
The Emergence of a 'Cerebral' Midfielder: Why Real Madrid is Interested in Kees Smit
Real Madrid is reportedly keeping a close eye on Kees Smit, the promising 19-year-old midfielder from AZ Alkmaar. The Spanish giants are keen to bolster their midfield with technically gifted and strategically astute players, and Smit fits this profile perfectly. His exceptional passing range, keen positional sense, and ability to advance the ball have earned him comparisons to some of Europe's top playmakers. Notably, Ronald Koeman recently likened Smit to the highly acclaimed Pedri, highlighting the Dutch youngster's burgeoning talent.
Kees Smit's Impactful 2025/26 Season: Beyond Goals and Assists
In the current 2025/26 season, Smit has become a regular fixture in AZ Alkmaar's Eredivisie lineup, starting in 15 league matches. Despite his modest statistics of two goals and two assists, his influence extends far beyond these numbers. With over 1,300 minutes played across all competitions, Smit is a crucial component in his team's offensive build-up, consistently maintaining possession even when under significant pressure. This capacity for intelligent off-ball movement and ball retention is a quality highly valued by Real Madrid, aligning perfectly with their tactical requirements for a modern midfielder.
Kees Smit's International Recognition and Broader European Interest
Smit's impressive performances have not gone unnoticed on the international stage, as he has already begun featuring for the Netherlands U21 squad and has received call-ups to the senior national team. This rapid ascent underscores his potential and growing reputation. While Real Madrid is actively pursuing the young talent, they face stiff competition from numerous Premier League clubs and other European powerhouses. Despite this widespread interest, Real Madrid remains a leading contender to secure Smit's services if they decide to finalize a transfer.