Crystal Palace could sign Kevin De Bruyne 2.0 as remarkable stats emerge
Crystal Palace have proven themselves to be an attractive destination for young talent, and they could be the next stop for an exciting teenager in the Netherlands.
The Eagles are enjoying an incredible run under manager Oliver Glasner. Last time out, Crystal Palace secured a 2-1 win over Liverpool to extend their unbeaten start to the campaign.
Many players starred during the victory at Selhurst Park, including centre-back Maxence Lacroix, who has attracted interest from Liverpool alongside teammate Marc Guehi.
Lacroix, however, isn’t the only one being touted with an exit, as England international midfielder Adam Wharton is also wanted by Liverpool ahead of January.
Although Palace are set to stand firm in their stance that he isn’t for sale, they have been linked with a possible replacement for the 21-year-old.
Crystal Palace target Kees Smit likened to Kevin De Bruyne
Crystal Palace have been linked to AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit as a potential heir to Wharton, and according to the Daily Mail, they face strong competition for his signature.
Despite interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea, it’s reported that Crystal Palace “hope to make their own pitch to the teenager” with the belief they can offer him a better pathway for his fledgling career.
The 19-year-old has been likened to Premier League icon Kevin De Bruyne for his creativity and playmaking.
How Smit compares to De Bruyne
Comparing any young player to De Bruyne is always going to be unfair. The Belgian is one of the best ever Premier League midfielders which is why comparisons between him and Smit must be taken with a pinch of salt, regardless of how exciting the young Dutchman is.
Based on 1,497 minutes, here is how Smit compares to De Bruyne for the 2024-25 season.
| Statistic | Kees Smit | Kevin De Bruyne |
| Non-Penalty Goals | 0.06 | 0.16 |
| Assists | 0.12 | 0.33 |
| Shot-Creating Actions | 4.51 | 4.9 |
| Key Passes | 2.34 | 2.57 |
| Pass Completion % | 88.6% | 75.6% |
| Progressive Carries | 1.98 | 2.78 |
| Successful Take-Ons | 1.2 | 0.69 |
Still only 19, Smit should be proud to be compared to De Bruyne, but he undoubtedly still has a long way to go. He needs to move to a more competitive and challenging league to take his development to the next level.
While the idea of moving to the likes of Madrid and Barcelona will be alluring, a move to Selhurst Park would be the wisest move.
Smit needs only look at how 21-year-old Wharton has been allowed to flourish in the heart of Crystal Palace’s midfield to consider how his chances of breaking into the team are more likely than if he moved to Madrid, for instance.
Martin Odegaard joined Los Blancos when he was only 16. His time there was characterised by a lack of game time and a stagnation in his otherwise rapid development. At a club like that, the only thing that matters is the next result.
At Palace, he would have the freedom to express himself without being persecuted for any mistakes he would make.