I've seen enough. I'm declaring 17-year-old AZ Alkmaar phenom Kees Smit the winner of the 2023 Golden Boy Award, and there's nothing some preciously talented La Masia graduate at Barcelona can do about it.
Over a month ago, the Netherlands youth international came to my attention with an incredibly inventive goal during an indoor match. It's as beautiful as a Rembrandt.
I covered his outdoor game briefly in that article, but now he's all over Twitter after scoring the opener in AZ's 3-0 beatdown of Barcelona in the UEFA Youth League Round of 16 on Wednesday.
From inside the center circle, Smit punished Barça's keeper by launching a lob into the top corner. He's got the Kees to unlock this Smit.
19-year-old striker Mexx Meerdink scored a brace for AZ, but Smit — who plays a holding midfield role — is clearly the standout talent and I advise Todd Boehly to act immediately.
