AZ star Smit drops Barcelona hint after Pedri comparison

AZ star Smit drops Barcelona hint after Pedri comparison

AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit admits he's happy being likened to Barcelona star Pedri.

Holland coach and Barca great Ronald Koeman made the claim this week.

Smit attracted enquiries from Real Madrid and Barca last summer and in response to Koeman's comments, he beamed: "If he says it, maybe there's some truth to it.

"I wasn't expecting it, but it's a nice comparison. I understand it might seem strange to many. Before, they compared me to (Kevin) De Bruyne, now to Pedri... or Frenkie de Jong! I watch almost every Barcelona game; it's simply my favourite club."

On his World Cup chances, the youngster continued: "I don't expect it, but if the coach talks about you, it means you're close. But I still have to prove I deserve it."00