Liverpool In Running With Newcastle United To Land This Eredivisie Midfielder: What Will He Add To Slot’s Team? | OneFootball

In a recent report, journalist Liam Kennedy claimed that Liverpool are in the running to land AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit. It has been mentioned that the Reds would have to compete with Newcastle United and Real Madrid in the race to sign the Dutch talent this summer.

Smit’s Impressive Rise In Dutch Football

The 19-year-old has enjoyed a good run of form at AZ Alkmaar this season as he has produced a handful of impressive displays for them in the Dutch Eredivisie. Smit has found the back of the net twice and earned five assists in 27 matches for the Dutch outfit this season across all competitions.

The Dutch midfielder has been a decent performer in the middle of the park and has done well to make 17 tackles, 13 blocks, eight interceptions and ten clearances in the Dutch Eredivisie. He has even distributed possession relatively well after completing 87.7% of his attempted passes in the top tier of Dutch football (stats via fbref.com).

His current contract at the Dutch club will run out in the summer of 2028. Hence, the Reds would have to make a convincing offer if they are serious about signing Smit this year.

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – SEPTEMBER 9: Kees Smit of Az Alkmaar fails in the penalty shoot out during a match between Boca Juniors and AZ Alkmaar as part of U20 InterContinental Cup 2023 at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on September 9, 2023 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)

What Will Smit Add To Liverpool Boss Arne Slot’s Side?

Smit loves a tackle and can sense the danger well to earn the ball back for his team inside his half. He usually clears the danger when required and has got the vision to engineer some clear-cut chances in the final third.

The Dutch sensation can strike the ball with power from long range and is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet. He can chip in by scoring and creating a few important goals for his team.

Smit is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can serve as a defensive midfielder or play in the number ten position if required. However, there are some concerns over whether he can make a smooth transition to life in the Premier League.

Smit would add a lot of quality to Liverpool boss Arne Slot’s attack in the long run. At 19, he has got the ceiling to be a world-class player in his position someday. Thus, Slot should focus on going all out to get him on board this year.