Kees Smit not afraid of competitor Mijnans after positive summer: "I'm going to give it my all"

AZ Alkmaar won 2-1 against Gent on Wednesday evening with Kees Smit and newcomer Mateo Chávez scoring the goals for Maarten Martens’ team.

With yet another positive performance in a summer where he previously starred for Jong Oranje at the U19 European Championships, the 19-year-old Kees Smit looks well on his way to becoming a regular starter. He spoke proudly after the game. “It looks like I may be. I’m happy with that”

Smit was preferred over Sven Mijnans for the number 10 position against Gent. The talented midfielder has no intention of losing the competition. “No, I’m not really worried about that. I hope I’ll play. I’m going to give it my all. I’m not going to beat him.”

Smit knows where he’s improved the most. “Scoring,” he laughs. “I think I’ve grown a lot, especially compared to last year. I always knew I had the quality to show it here. Now I have to show it.”

Of course, still a teenager, there are areas for improvement. Switching gears in transition, for example. “I’ve got better at it, but I can still do better. That’s not where my strength lies. I’m working on it, so it will get better.”

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield