Gijs Smal

Gijs Smal is a Dutch left-back who developed from second-tier football into an Eredivisie and European campaigner. Born in De Rijp on 31 August 1997, Smal came through at FC Volendam. He made his senior debut against De Graafschap in September 2017 and later regained a regular role under Wim Jonk. In 2019–20, he contributed six goals and ten assists from defence, making him attractive to top-flight clubs. Smal joined FC Twente on a free transfer in June 2020, where his left-sided delivery and passing became central to his game. During 2022–23, he recorded ten assists in 34 league appearances, an attacking return that strengthened his reputation. He moved to Feyenoord in 2024, making Champions League appearances and continuing to operate as a progressive full-back who can provide width or move inside during build-up.