"I coached Pedri at Barcelona, and I see things of him in Kees Smit. The turns, the use of both feet, the vision... It's what I saw in Pedri back then,"
"If he thinks so, maybe he is. I wasn't expecting it, but I think it's a good comparison. I understand that people found it a rather strange comparison. Before I was De Bruyne and now I'm Pedri (laughs). Or Frenkie de Jong. I watch almost every Barcelona match. It's simply my favourite club. If the coach is talking about you, I think you're pretty close. But I wouldn't say I'm in the running. I have to prove if I really deserve it."
Ronald Koeman compared Kees Smit to Pedri, noting similarities in turns, two-footed ability and vision based on his experience coaching Pedri at Barcelona. Kees Smit, a 19-year-old AZ Alkmaar midfielder, called the comparison flattering, joked about previous comparisons to De Bruyne and De Jong, and confirmed strong support for Barcelona, watching almost every match. Smit said a World Cup place would be special but that he does not expect selection and must prove his worth. Frenkie de Jong advised against pressuring the youngster, saying there is no player exactly like Pedri and Smit should be allowed to grow.
Read at Barca Universal
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