Real Madrid Are In The Running To Land This Eredivisie Midfielder: One For The Future? | OneFootball

In a recent post on X, journalist Keith Downie mentioned that Real Madrid are in the running to land AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit. It has been claimed that Los Blancos would have to rival Newcastle United, Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the race to sign the Dutch talent next year.

Smit’s Impressive Form In The Dutch Eredivisie

The 19-year-old has put in a string of impressive displays for AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredivisie this season. Smit has registered two goals and secured four assists in 19 appearances for the Dutch outfit in this campaign so far across multiple competitions.

The talented teenager has offered decent protection for his teammates at the back as he has made 13 tackles, ten blocks, six interceptions and six clearances in the Dutch Eredivisie. He has even been careful when distributing the ball from midfield after completing 86.6% of his attempted passes in the Dutch top flight (stats via fbref.com).

His current contract at the Dutch club will run out in the summer of 2028. Thus, Los Blancos would have to make a big offer if they want to convince Alkmaar to part ways with their prized asset.

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 06: Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar warms up prior to the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Crystal Palace FC and AZ Alkmaar at Selhurst Park on November 06, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Real Madrid Are In The Running To Land Smit: Is He A Prospect For The Future?

Smit is a good tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to earn the ball back for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when required and is a tidy passer of the ball as well.

The Dutch talent can even contribute by scoring and creating his fair share of goals up top. He is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also fill in as an attacking midfielder if told to do so.

We can expect Smit to enhance the quality of Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso’s midfield in the long run. He is good enough to serve as a good rotational piece in Los Blancos’ squad in the coming years.

At 19, Smit has got the ceiling to be a future star in European football. He is undoubtedly a prospect to watch out for in the future. Thus, Alonso should focus on snapping him up soon.