Sean Steur speaks out on lack of game time at Newcastle under Matthias Jaissle

Sean Steur has insisted he is not concerned by his recent lack of minutes at Newcastle United, despite finding himself in and out of Matthias Jaissle’s plans over the past few weeks.

The former Ajax talent was handed several opportunities before the last international break, starting and impressing in our 2-1 win over Hull City, which saw us fall to pieces the moment he went off in the second half.

However, his involvement has been more limited since returning to club action, as he found minutes and starts hard to come by before returning to the XI in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Fulham.

Steur calm about recent dip in game time 

Steur started against Hull before spending our next two games, against Coventry and Aston Villa, on the bench. He then managed five minutes against Crystal Palace and 35 minutes across our back-to-back games with Everton, before securing a rare start at Fulham last weekend.

Speaking to Voetbal Primeur about his situation while away with the Netherlands Under-21s, the 18-year-old played down any concerns and insisted he was simply focused on making the most of his opportunities.

“No, I think last period I played a lot. Now I played a little less.

“The last match I did play in the starting lineup again. But I wasn’t necessarily very worried. 

"I just think, yeah, I assumed that I would be here. I don’t think too much about it or anything. But I haven’t really had any contact with anyone here (Netherlands U21s)."

The Dutchman was then asked whether the reduced game time had caused him to doubt himself or his place at Newcastle.

“No, I never doubt. Sometimes that you play a little less just belongs to the process, belongs to the club you are in. Yeah, it’s just a task to then make sure that you come in as quickly as possible and with the minutes and chances that you get, do as well as possible.

“But no, no doubts. I still feel very much in my place there. I’m just calm. It can be fun, but I’m just calm in the sense of, yeah, just trust in yourself and your opportunity will come anyway. Yeah, just don’t panic quickly, I would say."

Steur accepts that every player wants to be involved as much as possible, but sees no reason to become frustrated when that does not happen.

“I just think that I don’t really overthink about, about, for example if you play one match less well that you’re then directly. 

"Of course, I want to play. Every player wants to play every minute. But there is no reason to panic if that doesn’t happen.”

Steur’s composure and quality needed in our midfield

It is encouraging to hear such a calm and mature response from an 18-year-old who has only recently arrived at the club. Steur clearly understands that opportunities have to be earned, but there is also a case for finding him a more regular place in our midfield.

We have looked too chaotic at times this season, lacking control in possession and struggling to move the ball quickly and effectively into the final third. Bruno Guimaraes’ absence has made that creative responsibility even more important, and Steur offers many of the qualities that we have been missing.

He may still need time to adapt to the physical demands of English football, as Jaissle has mentioned, but his composure on the ball, ability to receive under pressure and willingness to play forward could give our midfield a different dimension.

The combinations involving Nico Gonzalez alongside Miley or Joelinton have not always worked, with us often lacking a midfielder who can link the play and help release our forwards.

That is where Steur could make a difference. He is not necessarily the finished article, and Jaissle is clearly keen to manage his development carefully, but there is a growing feeling we are a better team with him in the side.

We need more control, creativity and calmness in the middle of the park. Steur has the potential to provide all three, and it feels like Jaissle must find a way to keep him in the side.