"I almost regret mentioning his name again [Pedri], but he's a guy who plays in the same position,"
"The way he turns away from his opponent, the way he scans the area, his two-footedness... I saw that in Pedri too. If he gets half his career, we'll be very happy in the Netherlands."
Netherlands top Group G after six games, two points ahead of Poland, with a win over Poland set to secure 2026 World Cup qualification. Nineteen-year-old Kees Smit broke into AZ Alkmaar last season and has elevated his performances in 2025-26, with two goals and two assists in 11 Eredivisie appearances and two Conference League assists while Alkmaar sit third. Smit remains uncapped at senior level but is being considered for the World Cup squad. Comparisons to Pedri emphasize his turning, scanning of space and two-footedness. Netherlands have five wins and one draw, scoring 22 and conceding three.
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