Real Madrid scout 19-year-old midfield prodigy but face serioius competition | OneFootball

Kees Smit is one of the biggest talents coming through in Dutch football. Currently plying his trade for AZ Alkmaar, the youngster has raised eyebrows with his consistent performances in the Eredivisie.

A central midfielder by trade, Smit has impressed onlookers with his ability to quick feet and ability to beat the second line of press by operating nimbly in tight spaces.

At just age 19, he has already racked up well over 50 competitive appearances for Alkmaar. But his days at the Dutch club could be numbered, with a series of clubs monitoring his progress.

Real Madrid interested in Smit

According to Matteo Moretto (h/t MARCA), Real Madrid are one of the clubs interested in the services of Kees Smit.

In fact, the club had sent scouts to the Netherlands to keep a closer eye on Smit’s recent matches and to see how he is performing in the Eredivisie.

Kees Smit is one of the best emerging talents out of action. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Rael Madrid, though, are set to face stiff competition from arch-rivals Barcelona in the race to sign Smit while other clubs such as Manchester City, Chelsea and even Atletico Madrid are also keen on acquiring his services.

The report implies that all these clubs are potentially looking out for a 2026 move for Smit, who appears ready for football at the highest level.

Although many Eredivisie stars of the past have failed to cope with the pressure of a big league, Real Madrid will hope Smit will be an exception.

The youngster has already shown immense talent, and at Real Madrid, he could be an ideal long-term replacement for either Toni Kroos or Luka Modric.

Staylistically, Smith is quite similar to Modric, but Real Madrid would have to fend off serious competition in order to sign the Dutchman next summer.