Marco Borsato Praises Kees Smit as 'Prodigy' Ahead of AZ’s Conference League Clash
Dutch singer and lifelong AZ Alkmaar fan Marco Borsato has singled out young midfielder Kees Smit as a “prodigy” during a visit to the club’s camp ahead of their UEFA Conference League quarter-final against Shakhtar Donetsk. Speaking in an interview with NH Nieuws, Borsato expressed both pride and frustration—pride in Smit’s rapid rise, and frustration that AZ may lose him too soon due to financial realities.
Borsato, who attended the team’s final training session in Krakow alongside his son Luca, called AZ “my little club” and emphasized how deeply his family is connected to the Alkmaar side. His comments come at a pivotal moment: Smit, just 20 years old, is now attracting global attention despite having only one senior cap for the Netherlands national team.
Why Borsato’s Words Matter Beyond Fan Sentiment
While celebrity endorsements might seem like fluff, Borsato’s remarks carry weight because they reflect a broader narrative around AZ Alkmaar: the club’s role as a talent incubator forced to sell its best players early. Smit, with six goals and ten assists in 72 appearances, embodies that cycle. He’s under contract until 2028, but transfer rumors are already swirling—and Borsato openly admitted it’s “almost impossible” to keep him beyond this season.
This isn’t just about sentiment. Smit’s potential departure could influence how AZ approaches high-stakes matches like the upcoming tie against Shakhtar. If the club senses a big offer is imminent, they might prioritize showcasing his talents on a European stage—even if it means taking tactical risks.
Kees Smit’s Rise Through the AZ Ranks
Smit joined AZ’s youth academy and steadily climbed through the ranks before breaking into the first team. His technical intelligence, vision, and work rate have made him a linchpin in midfield, especially in European competitions where composure matters.
Key stats so far:
- 72 official appearances for AZ Alkmaar
- 6 goals and 10 assists
- 1 senior cap for the Netherlands national team
- Contract runs until June 2028
Despite his age, he’s already being tipped as the player who could break AZ’s all-time transfer record—a benchmark previously set by stars like Teun Koopmeiners and Calvin Stengs.
What This Means for the Shakhtar Match
AZ host Shakhtar Donetsk in the second leg of their Conference League quarter-final on April 16, 2026, after playing the first leg in Poland. While Borsato’s comments don’t reveal tactical plans or injury updates, they do underscore Smit’s importance to the squad’s identity and morale.
If Smit starts—and plays with the confidence of someone knowing top clubs are watching—it could give AZ an edge in a tight knockout tie. Conversely, if he’s managed carefully to avoid injury ahead of a potential summer move, his impact might be limited.
Key Takeaways
- Marco Borsato, a high-profile AZ supporter, labeled Kees Smit a “prodigy” during a pre-match visit to the club’s camp.
- Smit, 20, is under contract until 2028 but widely expected to leave this summer for a record-breaking fee.
- His performances in the Conference League could accelerate interest from bigger leagues.
- AZ faces Shakhtar Donetsk in the second leg of their quarter-final on April 16, 2026.
- While not a direct signal for betting, Smit’s presence (or absence) will heavily influence AZ’s attacking rhythm.
Borsato’s emotional plea—to keep Smit “for just one more year”—captures the tension many mid-sized European clubs face: develop world-class talent, then watch them depart for richer pastures. For now, AZ fans hope Smit’s brilliance lights up the pitch against Shakhtar, regardless of what the future holds.
— Editorial Team
