AZ youngster Kees Smit has been touted as the Netherlands' next big star following stellar performances at last summer's victorious Under-19 European Championships, where he was named the tournament's best player, and against Crystal Palace in the UEFA Conference League.
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman was asked about Kees Smit and whether his recent form has put him into the conversation for a spot in Oranje - the former Barcelona manager immediately drew comparisons to Spanish star Pedri.
"I once saw Pedri play, and I see things in Smit: turning away, two-footedness, scanning, seeing. I saw that in Pedri back then, too. He's definitely a player who's on my list."
One of Pedri's teammates, Frenkie de Jong, was quick to do away with any comparisons to his midfield partner.
"I don't think anyone has a player like Pedri, except for Spain. I don't think many players play like Pedri, so I don't think we have a player like him," De Jong told ESPN.
Speaking of Smit, De Jong called on everyone to give talents more time and space to develop.
"I have seen him play. I've talked about him with some guys, but I don't think it's smart to say anything about that sort of thing immediately," De Jong continued.
"I don't think it's wise to say too much about that at this stage. I don't think it helps the lad to create too many expectations or to make grandiose statements about him. He is a very talented player and could become very good, but I think we should let him play football in peace, and then we'll see.
"I don't think comparing him to the likes of Pedri would necessarily influence him, but why should we say things when we don't know what's going to happen? I understand, it creates enthusiasm, but I don't think it will help him if I say too much about it now."
Frenkie de Jong and the Netherlands play Poland on November 14th and Lithuania on November 17th in their last two FIFA World Cup qualifiers.