Kees Smit and Lewis Schouten catch the eye against Sunderland

AZ Alkmaar may have left Sunderland without a point, but Kees Smit and Lewis Schouten produced performances that could increase Premier League interest in the pair.

Sunderland secured a 1-0 Europa League victory, with Enzo Le Fée scoring the decisive goal, but AZ still caused Régis Le Bris’ side problems. Dutch journalist Henk Spaan believes two of their young players effectively used the occasion as an audition for English clubs.

Writing for Het Parool, Spaan was particularly impressed by 22-year-old defender Schouten.

Spaan awarded Schouten an 8/10 for his performance and argued that the defender demonstrated several qualities Premier League recruiters traditionally value.

“Two AZ players were auditioning for the Premier League on Wednesday night,” he wrote. “The audition went well.”

Spaan highlighted Schouten’s physical and defensive qualities, including his work in duels, aerial ability and capacity to regain possession.

“Against Sunderland, Schouten certainly put himself firmly on the English radar,” he added.

That assessment does not mean Premier League interest has already materialised, but performing against English opposition in European competition provided Schouten with a valuable platform.

Kees Smit also impressed Spaan despite AZ failing to score.

The 20-year-old midfielder produced one particularly eye-catching sequence, driving forward with a quick dribble before sending his effort narrowly across goal.

It was enough for Spaan to include Smit alongside Schouten as another AZ player capable of attracting Premier League attention.

Smit already has some history with English transfer speculation. Newcastle United were linked with the midfielder during the summer, when reports even suggested they had been told they could be signing the “next Jack Grealish”.

Newcastle eventually strengthened their midfield elsewhere, including the arrival of Sean Steur from Ajax.

There is currently no indication that they are preparing to revive their interest. However, further performances like the one against Sunderland could ensure Smit remains a player watched closely by clubs in England.

Schouten and Smit will need to turn impressive individual European performances into consistent displays for AZ.

More Europa League matches will provide both players with opportunities to impress international scouts, with Smit particularly worth monitoring given the previous Premier League links surrounding him.