It would be good for Kees Smit’s development if he continues to play in the Eredivisie for another ‘three years’. This is stated at the table Rondo. Marco van Basten draws a comparison with another former Eredivisie player who was transferred for a lot of money at a young age.
At the age of nineteen, Smit is already working hard at AZ. Almost the entire European top is after the seasoning. According to the latest reports, Alkmaar is demanding at least sixty million euros for his services. At the table Rondo they have clear advice for the youngster: stay in the Eredivisie for a while.
“We have experience with Miralem Sulejmani,” Van Basten begins, referring to the former record signing from Ajax who came to Amsterdam for more than sixteen million euros in the summer of 2008, but never really managed to live up to expectations there. “He was so young at the time. It’s very bad
dangerous to pay so much money for such a young player. He was young and could play football well, but there are a few more things involved.”
“There is some pressure involved,” adds Ruud Gullit, his tablemate and former teammate. “Has he shown anything yet?”, the former Ballon d’Or winner wonders out loud. “It’s very strange that you are already worth such an amount… It’s too premature.”
Van Basten advises Smit. “He now has to join AZ or Ajax, PSV or Feyenoord, for about three years and then you can go to the top abroad. If you go abroad, it is good if you are also settled with a girlfriend or something, that the two of you go. If you otherwise have to participate in the second team, you will feel very lonely. That is not good.”
Wim Kieft wholeheartedly agrees with those words. “It is in the boy’s best interest that he first grows into a big boy at AZ for two or three years. Then you can take an intermediate step,” he said. “A good manager would say that he should first go to Ajax, PSV or Feyenoord, Champions League,” Van Basten concludes.
