Koeman praises Netherlands teenager Smit with Pedri comparison

Ronald Koeman has in contrast Netherlands teenager Kees Smit to Pedri and expects him to be concerned because the Oranje look to seal qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Netherlands are presently high of Group G after six video games, two factors forward of their subsequent opponents Poland, who they face on Friday.

A win for Koeman’s facet would see them safe qualification for subsequent summer season’s event in the USA, Mexico and Canada with a sport to spare.

Nineteen-year-old Smit broke into the AZ Alkmaar group final season, however he has taken his sport to a different degree in the course of the 2025-26 marketing campaign.

He has scored two objectives and supplied two assists in 11 Eredivisie video games to date, with Alkmaar presently third within the league, whereas he has additionally registered two assists within the Convention League.

Smit is but to make his senior debut for the nationwide group, however Koeman acknowledged that the midfielder is “on the checklist” for the 2026 World Cup.

And Koeman, who coached Pedri throughout his time at Barcelona, sees similarities between the 2 children.

“I virtually remorse mentioning his title once more [Pedri]however he’s a man who performs in the identical place,” stated Koeman.

Constructing as much as Poland! #NothingLikeOranje pic.twitter.com/07CgeCa5EQ

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) November 13, 2025

“The best way he turns away from his opponent, the best way he scans the realm, his two-footedness… I noticed that in Pedri too.

“If he will get half his profession, we’ll be very blissful within the Netherlands.”

Netherlands have received 5 of their six World Cup qualifiers to date (D1), although their solely draw was within the reverse fixture in opposition to Poland (1-1).

Koeman’s facet have scored 22 objectives throughout their six qualifying matches and conceded simply three, with their greatest win coming at dwelling in opposition to Malta (8-0).