Kees Smit Debut: Van der Vaart Sees Future Frenkie de Jong in Young Oranje Star

ALKMAAR, Netherlands – Rafael van der Vaart, a former Dutch international and respected football analyst, believes AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit has the potential to become the next Frenkie de Jong for the Netherlands national team. The assessment comes after Smit’s debut appearance for Oranje in a friendly match against Norway on Sunday, which the Dutch won 2-1.

Smit, 20, started the match and played 70 minutes, earning praise from Van der Vaart despite appearing somewhat nervous. “He was nervous and didn’t have a top match, but overall it was a fine debut,” Van der Vaart told ESPN, as reported by multiple Dutch outlets including FCUpdate.nl and VoetbalPrimeur.nl. “And you have to try and do it. I think there are few players who come in for the first time and immediately start in the lineup.”

Van der Vaart, who earned 109 caps for the Netherlands during his career, sees Smit as a crucial piece of the future for the national side. “It’s good and logical that he’s with the national team, given that Smit is a unique talent that you need to prepare to take over the reins,” he added. “He has the potential to become the new Frenkie de Jong. We’re going to have a lot of fun watching him.”

The comparison to de Jong, currently playing for FC Barcelona and a key figure in the Dutch midfield, is a significant one. De Jong is known for his exceptional passing range, dribbling ability, and tactical intelligence – qualities Van der Vaart believes Smit possesses the potential to develop. The Netherlands are looking to build for future tournaments, and identifying a successor to de Jong is a priority.

Smit’s debut wasn’t without its critics, but fellow Dutch football legend Willem van Hanegem also offered words of encouragement. Van Hanegem highlighted Smit’s willingness to play forward passes, a trait he believes sets him apart. “If you glance closely, you notice that he plays a lot of balls forward. He’s the only one who does that,” Van Hanegem said, according to reports. “I fully understand why Koeman brought him in. He’s going to be one of the best players.”

However, not all assessments were entirely glowing. Sjaak Swart, a former Ajax player, pointed to Smit’s need for physical development. “He has good technique, but the only thing he lacks at the moment is the physical aspect,” Swart noted. “I think he still has some problems with that. He would also be a good player for Ajax.” This observation underscores the challenges Smit faces as he transitions to the international level, where physicality is paramount.

The call-up and subsequent debut for Smit represent a significant step in his young career. He has been a standout performer for AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie, showcasing his playmaking abilities and vision. His inclusion in Ronald Koeman’s squad signals a clear indication of the national team’s management’s belief in his potential.

The friendly against Norway served as a valuable learning experience for Smit, providing him with a taste of international competition. Whereas he may have felt the pressure of the occasion, the opportunity to play alongside established players will undoubtedly contribute to his growth. The match, played on Sunday, March 29, 2026, offered a glimpse into the future of Dutch football.

The debate surrounding Smit’s potential and his best position within the team is likely to continue. His ability to dictate play from midfield, combined with his willingness to take risks and play forward passes, makes him an exciting prospect for Dutch fans. Whether he can consistently deliver performances at the highest level remains to be seen, but the initial signs are promising.

Looking ahead, Smit will be eager to build on his debut and establish himself as a regular member of the Netherlands squad. The upcoming fixtures will provide him with further opportunities to showcase his talent and prove his worth. His development will be closely monitored by fans and pundits alike, as they assess whether he can truly live up to the lofty expectations set by Van der Vaart and others.

The next confirmed checkpoint for Smit and the Netherlands national team is the preparation for upcoming international friendlies in June, as they continue their build-up to future qualifying campaigns. Fans can follow updates on Smit’s progress and the national team’s schedule through official channels, including the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) website.

What are your thoughts on Kees Smit’s potential? Share your opinions in the comments below!