AZ Alkmaar will face strengthened opposition on Saturday after two Feyenoord talents received international recognition. Forward Jerayno Schaken and midfielder Thijs Kraaijeveld have been included in prestigious lists identifying the world's top youth prospects.
Schaken, a seventeen-year-old attacker, features in The Guardian's Next Generation list for 2026. That list names the sixty greatest talents worldwide born in his year. The youngster made his Feyenoord debut in September and scored immediately. He previously played for PEC Zwolle, Ajax, and sc Heerenveen. His brother Kirayno is also considered talented. Schaken was clear about his ambitions. "Real Madrid is my dream destination," he said. Of his father, he stated: "I am 100% better than my father ever was."
Kraaijeveld, a midfielder, is included in the CIES Football Observatory list. The research bureau placed him among the hundred most valuable teenagers outside Europe's top five leagues. His estimated transfer value is eight million euros. Kraaijeveld is one of eight Eredivisie players on that list.
For AZ, who currently lead the Eredivisie with 19 points, this adds an extra dimension to the upcoming clash. Pascal Jansen's side visits Feyenoord, the second-placed team, in a direct battle for top spot. The last meeting, in May, ended 1-1. The current standings show AZ travels to De Kuip with a two-point lead. The full upcoming fixtures are available online.
The recognition for these youngsters highlights the quality in the Dutch league. It only makes this weekend's opponent more dangerous. The match between Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar kicks off on Saturday at 18:45.
Read the full report at FR12.nl
