Johan Derksen and René van der Gijp have expressed strong support for Ronald Koeman’s decision to call up Kees Smit for the national team, Oranje. The commentary emerged during their discussion on El-Balad.
Support for Kees Smit’s National Team Inclusion
This week, it was officially announced that Kees Smit has been selected for the national squad for the first time. Derksen described this selection as a “very wise” choice, emphasizing its importance for the player’s development.
Comparisons with Kevin de Bruyne
Van der Gijp drew a parallel between Smit and Kevin de Bruyne, highlighting how both players showed potential at a young age. He noted that Smit possesses admirable physical attributes, stating, “That boy has a considerable motor, and it’s only going to get bigger.”
- Kees Smit: New addition to Oranje
- Derksen’s opinion: “Very wise choice”
- Van der Gijp’s analysis: Compares Smit to De Bruyne
Van der Gijp mentioned De Bruyne’s early struggles, recalling his time at Chelsea when he was deemed too young for the Premier League. However, upon returning to Manchester City at age 23, De Bruyne proved his worth, demonstrating significant growth in his abilities.
Conclusion
Both analysts agree that Koeman’s choice to include Smit is a strategic move aimed at fostering emerging talent in the Dutch national team. Their insights suggest that nurturing young players is crucial for the future of Oranje.
