AMSTERDAM, Netherlands – Ronald Koeman may have been left underwhelmed by the performance of young Kees Smit in his Netherlands debut against Norway on Saturday, according to reports in Dutch media. The 20-year-traditional AZ Alkmaar midfielder, handed a starting role and the iconic No. 21 jersey previously worn by Frenkie de Jong, struggled to make a significant impact in the 2-1 victory, prompting criticism from analysts and raising questions about expectations for the promising youngster.
The debut marked Smit as the 33rd player to debut under Koeman’s current tenure as Netherlands national team coach, following Frenkie de Jong, who debuted in 2018 and quickly became a key figure for Oranje. However, unlike De Jong’s impactful introduction, Smit’s performance failed to ignite the same spark.
Valentijn Driessen, a respected football journalist for De Telegraaf, stated that Koeman would have been “shocked” by what he saw from Smit against Norway. This assessment highlights a significant disconnect between the pre-match anticipation surrounding Smit and his actual contribution on the field.
Smit’s pass accuracy of 75 percent was the lowest among all Netherlands starters in the match, a statistic that underscores his difficulties in dictating play from midfield. He likewise won just two of his eight duels, further illustrating a challenging evening for the debutant. The pressure of wearing De Jong’s number and being deployed in a similar role appeared to weigh heavily on the young player.
NOS analyst Pierre van Hooijdonk acknowledged the public’s fondness for Smit, stating, “Everyone has a sort of weakness for Kees Smit,” but cautioned against overlooking his performance as an international player. “We must judge him as an international, regardless of his age. We will hear a lot from him, but this was not the Smit we hoped to see.” Van Hooijdonk’s comments reflect a growing sentiment that although Smit possesses potential, he is not yet ready to consistently contribute at the highest level.
The criticism extended to a specific moment during the match when Smit lost his marker leading to Norway’s opening goal. Van Hooijdonk referred to this as a “Veermannetje” – a reference to a recurring issue with PSV player Joey Veerman, who has faced similar scrutiny for defensive lapses. This comparison underscores the high standards expected of players in the Netherlands midfield.
The situation surrounding Veerman adds another layer to the discussion. Koeman has previously indicated that Veerman is not currently his first or second choice for the No. 6 position, suggesting that Smit’s performance was being evaluated, in part, as a potential alternative in that role. The coach’s assessment of Smit will undoubtedly influence future squad selections.
Despite the critical assessment, there is still optimism surrounding Smit’s future. Rafael van der Vaart, another prominent Dutch football analyst, recently lauded Smit, sparking comparisons to Barcelona’s Pedri. However, Frenkie de Jong himself has urged caution against placing undue pressure on young players by constantly comparing them to established stars. De Jong believes it’s crucial to allow Smit to develop at his own pace without the burden of unrealistic expectations.
De Jong’s perspective is echoed by others who believe that Smit needs time to adapt to the demands of international football. Sjaak Swart, a former Ajax player, even suggested that Smit would be a valuable addition to the Amsterdam club, highlighting his potential for growth and development within a familiar environment.
The debate surrounding Smit’s debut underscores the challenges of integrating young players into a national team setup. While the initial excitement and comparisons to established stars can be enticing, it’s crucial to provide these players with the space and support they need to flourish. The Netherlands national team, currently navigating a period of transition, will need to carefully manage expectations and nurture the development of its emerging talents.
The Netherlands are next scheduled to play a friendly against Canada on June 6, 2026, at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam. This match will provide another opportunity for Koeman to assess his squad and potentially give Smit another chance to prove his worth on the international stage. The focus will be on building momentum and refining the team’s tactics ahead of future qualifying matches and international tournaments.
Archysport will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of the Netherlands national team and the development of its young players.
