Holland coach and Barca great Ronald Koeman made the claim this week.
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Smit attracted enquiries from Real Madrid and Barca last summer and in response to Koeman's comments, he beamed: "If he says it, maybe there's some truth to it.
"I wasn't expecting it, but it's a nice comparison. I understand it might seem strange to many. Before, they compared me to (Kevin) De Bruyne, now to Pedri... or Frenkie de Jong! I watch almost every Barcelona game; it's simply my favourite club."
On his World Cup chances, the youngster continued: "I don't expect it, but if the coach talks about you, it means you're close. But I still have to prove I deserve it."