Kees Smit: Netherlands Debut & Reactions | Koeman, Van Dijk & More
AMSTERDAM – The Netherlands national team is preparing for a pair of international friendlies later this month, and coach Ronald Koeman has included a fresh face in his 26-man squad: 20-year-old midfielder Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar. The call-up marks Smit’s first time being selected for Oranje, and represents a significant opportunity for the young player to impress ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Koeman unveiled the squad on Friday, with the friendlies scheduled against Norway in Amsterdam on and Ecuador in Eindhoven on . The matches serve as crucial warm-up games for the Netherlands as they prepare for the World Cup tournament.
Smit’s inclusion isn’t a complete surprise, as Koeman had previously indicated his interest in the AZ Alkmaar midfielder. “It is no secret that I have thought about him before,” Koeman stated, according to reports. The coach clearly sees potential in Smit and wants to evaluate him in a national team setting. Smit himself admitted to feeling a bit overwhelmed by the experience, stating, “I didn’t expect Koeman to say that.”
The squad too sees the return of several key players, including goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, defenders Stefan de Vrij and Jorrel Hato, midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, and striker Brian Brobbey. Bijlow, currently playing for Genoa after a move from Feyenoord, has rediscovered his form and earns a spot in the squad. Brobbey returns to the national team for the first time in a year.
However, the squad is not without its absences. Injuries have ruled out Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Justin Kluivert, and Sunderland’s Robin Roefs. Jurrien Timber and Noa Lang are also dealing with recent injuries. Lang, in particular, suffered a serious thumb injury after a collision with the advertising hoardings whereas playing for Galatasaray in the Champions League against Liverpool on Wednesday, and will undergo surgery.
The selection of Jorrel Hato, despite limited playing time at Chelsea, has raised some eyebrows. He replaces Lutsharel Geertruida and Quilindschy Hartman among the defenders. This suggests Koeman is willing to look beyond current club form and assess players based on potential and long-term prospects.
Smit’s first training session with the national team was described as a “luxury stage” by the player himself. He expressed his excitement at the opportunity to train alongside established stars like Virgil van Dijk, admitting it felt surreal to be in the same locker room. He described the experience as “crazy” and a significant step in his career.
A former teammate of Smit offered a revealing insight into the young midfielder’s strengths, asking, “Where are you good at now?” This suggests Smit is still developing and refining his game, but possesses a raw talent that has caught the attention of the national team coaching staff.
Koeman’s approach to player preparation is notably cautious. Reports indicate he prefers to “wrap his players in bubble wrap” leading up to the World Cup, highlighting his concern about injuries and his desire to have his key players fit and available for the tournament. This cautious approach is likely influenced by the recent spate of injuries affecting the squad.
The friendly matches against Norway and Ecuador will be vital for Smit to demonstrate his capabilities and stake a claim for a place in the final World Cup squad. He will be competing with established midfielders for a spot, and will need to impress Koeman with his performances both on and off the pitch. The opportunity is significant, and Smit appears eager to make the most of it.
The Netherlands will be hoping to build momentum and fine-tune their preparations during these friendlies. With a mix of experienced players and promising young talents like Smit, Koeman will be looking to create a cohesive and competitive team capable of making a strong showing at the World Cup.