Matthias Jaissle explains Sean Steur's lack of minutes for Newcastle

Matthias Jaissle has pointed to Sean Steur's age and Nico Gonzalez's leadership when explaining why the teenager was left on the bench again against Aston Villa.

The 18-year-old was an unused substitute in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at St James' Park, having also sat out the 4-1 loss at Coventry. That leaves him without a minute in either game since his impressive display in our 2-1 win over Hull before the international break.

Jaissle explains Steur's latest omission

Asked about Steur in his post-match press conference, Jaissle said:

"First of all, he's one of the youngest lads, so that's something we mentioned from the start, that it needs time.

"Again, I mentioned that as well, that Nico was doing it today as well good.

"He's a leader for a young squad on that position, so that's sometimes not only something with the player who's not playing, it's also an aspect for the lad who's playing."

Before the Villa game, Jaissle had praised Steur's work in training and acknowledged he was pushing for selection. Another game has since passed without an opportunity.

Why no minutes for Steur?

I haven't seen much leadership from Nico Gonzalez personally, so that feels like a poor excuse for leaving Steur out.

I suspect the bigger issue is that we didn't spend big money on a midfielder from Manchester City expecting to drop him for an 18-year-old from Ajax. It feels as though Nico's fee and reputation are buying him patience, while Steur is having to do considerably more to earn an opportunity.

Steur has been one of our few standout performers so far this season. Surely his performances should count for more than how awkward it might be to leave a big-money signing on the bench?

You can understand an 18-year-old not starting every game. But to not even bring him on in either of the last two matches, when we've been crying out for more composure on the ball, is bizarre. I don't like his age being used to justify that when his performances have given Jaissle every reason to use him.