Sean Steur is a rare talent - Netherlands U21 boss Michael Reiziger

Sean Steur has continued his impressive start to life at Newcastle United by making his Netherlands Under-21 debut on Friday night.

The 18-year-old was introduced with 10 minutes remaining against Norway, replacing former Newcastle transfer target Kees Smit as the Dutch side were held to a goalless draw.

Steur’s first appearance for Jong Oranje comes after his £23m summer move from Ajax, where he’s impressed on Tyneside with a rare mix of technical ability, calmness and maturity for a teenager. 

Reiziger hails unique Steur 

Netherlands Under-21 head coach Michael Reiziger has been full of praise for Steur, highlighting the midfielder’s development since moving to Newcastle.

Reiziger told Voetbal International: “Sean is continuing to develop at Newcastle. It’s great to see. He’s simply a good footballer.

“He’s now playing at the highest level in the best league in the world – for a club that is highly regarded there, too – it’s really impressive for his age.”

The Dutch U21 boss went on to explain exactly what has impressed him about the Newcastle teenager, describing him as a rare breed in football. 

“Sean is the kind of player you don’t see very often.

“He reads the game, has drive, is composed on the ball and can really take charge of the game.

“I saw that at Ajax last year, too – how he would direct other players, knowing that if they stood in a certain spot, it would free him up elsewhere. Seeing him orchestrate things like that is wonderful to watch.”

Steur makes Netherlands U21 debut 

Steur’s introduction against Norway represents another significant milestone in what has been a rapid rise for the 18-year-old.

Newcastle brought the midfielder in from Ajax in a £23m deal and it hasn’t taken the teenager long to impress under Matthias Jaissle, with his progress now earning him his first Netherlands U21 call-up.

Reiziger’s comments also underline why Newcastle were so keen to bring him to St James’ Park, with the Dutch coach specifically pointing towards Steur’s ability to read the game, take responsibility and influence those around him; three things that were evident in his standout display against Hull last Saturday. 

It is another positive milestone for a player we believe can quickly develop into an important first-team midfielder on Tyneside.