Sneijder Impressed by Kees Smit & Koeman’s Netherlands Call-Up
Dutch legend Wesley Sneijder has publicly endorsed the inclusion of AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit in the national team squad, even suggesting the 19-year-aged is currently ahead of Feyenoord’s Luciano Valente in the pecking order. Sneijder’s assessment came during Monday evening’s broadcast of the Ziggo Sport program Rondo, following head coach Ronald Koeman’s decision to call up Smit for upcoming friendlies against Norway and Ecuador.
Sneijder, a record cap holder for the Netherlands, expressed his understanding of Koeman’s rationale, stating Smit possesses “something extra” and demonstrates significant potential. “I understand very well that he is included. He is a boy with potential,” Sneijder said, as reported by Voetbalzone. He highlighted Smit’s ability to create opportunities for attackers and make a decisive impact.
Even as acknowledging AZ Alkmaar’s inconsistent recent form, Sneijder emphasized the value of assessing Smit’s capabilities ahead of the World Cup 2026. “Is he good enough in three months? Can he now lay the foundation for later? You have to see that as a coach,” he explained.
The comparison to Valente, who has already earned caps for the national team, was particularly pointed. Sneijder asserted Smit’s current level of quality surpasses that of his rival. “I also think he is further than Valente. That’s in the quality, I think Smit is better,” he stated. He noted a difference in refinement and recent performance, adding that Valente has experienced a slight dip in form in recent weeks.
Koeman had previously indicated Smit would likely see playing time in the upcoming friendlies, a decision Sneijder supports. The call-up comes as the Dutch team prepares for qualification for the 2026 World Cup, where they are currently considered outsiders alongside teams like Norway, Japan, the US, Belgium and Germany, according to a recent assessment of the squad (Dutch Soccer Site).
Sneijder also addressed the situation surrounding Joey Veerman, a key player for PSV Eindhoven, who Koeman has indicated is unlikely to make the World Cup squad. Sneijder concurred with Koeman’s assessment, citing the intense competition for midfield positions. “Then you can be the best of PSV, but you are still the least of the players in that position in the Dutch national team. I think that is very logical,” he said.
The inclusion of Smit, alongside other young talents like Meerdink, Emegha and Valente, signals a potential shift in the Dutch squad’s dynamic, though the team still appears to lack the leadership qualities seen in past generations, according to recent analysis (Dutch Soccer Site).
Jessey Sneijder, Wesley’s son, recently signed his first professional contract, adding another young talent to the Dutch football landscape (Reddit r/soccer). The national team, now under the continued leadership of Ronald Koeman, who was re-appointed as coach in 2023 (Ons Oranje Facebook), will face Norway and Ecuador as they continue preparations for the challenges ahead.