Koeman praises Netherlands teenager Smit with Pedri comparison
Kees Smit could prove to play a role in the 2026 World Cup for the Netherlands, with head coach Ronald Koeman impressed by the teenager.
Ronald Koeman has compared Netherlands teenager Kees Smit to Pedri and expects him to be involved as the Oranje look to seal qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Netherlands are currently top of Group G after six games, two points ahead of their next opponents Poland, who they face on Friday.
A win for Koeman’s side would see them secure qualification for next summer's tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada with a game to spare.
Nineteen-year-old Smit broke into the AZ Alkmaar team last season, but he has taken his game to another level during the 2025-26 campaign.
He has scored two goals and provided two assists in 11 Eredivisie games so far, with Alkmaar currently third in the league, while he has also registered two assists in the Conference League.
Smit is yet to make his senior debut for the national team, but Koeman stated that the midfielder is “on the list” for the 2026 World Cup.
And Koeman, who coached Pedri during his time at Barcelona, sees similarities between the two youngsters.
“I almost regret mentioning his name again [Pedri], but he’s a guy who plays in the same position,” said Koeman.
“The way he turns away from his opponent, the way he scans the area, his two-footedness... I saw that in Pedri too.
“If he gets half his career, we’ll be very happy in the Netherlands.”
Netherlands have won five of their six World Cup qualifiers so far (D1), though their only draw was in the reverse fixture against Poland (1-1).
Koeman’s side have scored 22 goals across their six qualifying matches and conceded just three, with their biggest win coming at home against Malta (8-0).
