Newcastle United midfielder Sean Steur has been impressive during this international break for Netherlands U21s, which is merely a continuation of the quality he has shown for the Magpies so far this season.
The 18-year-old looks set to become one of Newcastle’s most fruitful summer signings, whether that be in his contribution to the first team for years to come, or in the financial boost he brings the club if he is eventually sold on.
But it isn’t just his ability which has already begun to impress those at the club and his recent comments are an excellent insight into the brilliant mentality he has at such a young age.
What Steur said
Speaking about returning from the break and his time in English football so far, Steur said, “I’m going back to England on Thursday, which I’m really looking forward to. I’m just having a great time there and I can’t wait to go back.
Steur also spoke very candidly about what has gone well and what he can improve upon as he continues to develop in a new environment.
“Things are going well, but the physical aspect could be better. On the ball, everything could actually be much better. I don’t think I’ve reached my peak yet. So I look forward to developing that.
As I just said, it can still get much better. But I am happy with how things are going so far. I need to keep this trend going and I only need to get better.”
Of course, it would be foolish to suggest that an 18-year-old should have reached his peak at this stage, but the fact that Steur has the awareness to conceptualise what he needs to improve upon is a skill that will serve him exceptionally well as he continues to progress.
Steur’s admissions are remarkably accurate
Perhaps the most impressive part of his comments is the fact that what he identified was almost spot on.
The physical side of the Premier League is always difficult for a young player to navigate and Steur has looked a little overwhelmed in that area at points thus far.
The positive is we all knew this was an area that will take time and, if he recognises that too, then it likely won’t be long before we see big steps taken to address that concern.
Interestingly, the other area he talked about feeling he can improve is one that Newcastle fans have been most impressed with so far.
Steur quite clearly has an extraordinary technical ceiling and his on-ball abilities have endeared him to the Geordie faithful already. There have of course been blips, such as the mistake which led to a goal in the 4-1 defeat against Leeds United, but for the most part Steur has fit in seamlessly in that area.
But, if the Dutchman believes that there is still more to come in the department, then goodness knows the type of player we could see after a year’s development with meaningful first team minutes.
It’s not just his comments
His comments aren’t the only example of his excellent mentality, it must be said.
Following that aforementioned Leeds mistake Steur posted a public apology to fans on his social media. Something which he obviously wasn’t obliged to do, but something that really showed just how mature his mindset is despite his young age.
Matthias Jaissle has also spoken on more than one occasion about how much Steur has impressed him, namely after the 2-1 victory against Hull City where the German lauded the 18-year-old for his composure, calling his ability to bounce back quickly “not normal”.
Getting that sort of praise from your manager at such a young age whilst still learning an entirely new culture, playstyle and trying to establish yourself at a new club is mightily impressive.
It’s a testament to just how well Steur is adapting to his surroundings and, if he continues to show the ability and mentality he has done so far, who knows how high his ceiling may be.
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