Sean Steur keeps feet on ground after Netherlands U21 debut amid Newcastle rise

Sean Steur insists he is not getting carried away by his rapid progress at Newcastle United after making his debut for the Netherlands U21 side.

The 18-year-old midfielder earned his first appearance for Jong Oranje this week, coming off the bench during a 0-0 draw against Norway U21.

It represents another milestone in what has already been a significant few months for the teenager.

Steur completed a big-money move from Ajax to Newcastle during the summer and has since started earning regular opportunities under Matthias Jaissle in the Premier League.

His performances have already attracted praise, including from Netherlands U21 manager Michael Reiziger, but Steur is determined to keep his focus on improving rather than celebrating individual achievements.

Speaking after his first appearance, Steur played down the significance of reaching another landmark so early in his career.

“Making my debut is nice, but that’s not really what’s on my mind right now,” the Newcastle midfielder said.

“It was a brief substitute appearance. You try to play everything forward. I think I managed to do that a few times.”

His comments underline the approach Steur appears to be taking during his rapid rise.

Rather than looking too far ahead, the midfielder is concentrating on making the most of each opportunity for club and country.

Steur has also opened up on his adjustment to life in England following his summer move.

The international break will give him an opportunity to return home and spend some time with his family, although he stressed that he has settled comfortably in Newcastle.

“They try to come over sometimes, too. But now I’m going home for a day to make the most of it. I feel very much at home there. I’m happy there,” he explained.

For an 18-year-old making his first move outside the Netherlands, settling quickly could prove important as he attempts to establish himself further in Jaissle’s squad.

There has, however, been one adaptation problem: his music.

Steur revealed he attempted to introduce one Newcastle teammate to the distinctive Volendam ‘eel sound’, only to receive a rather definitive response.

“Well, to one person. He told me never to do it again. He clearly wasn’t a fan,” Steur joked.

The teenager wisely refused to reveal which teammate delivered the verdict.

Steur will now return to Newcastle after the international break looking to build on his encouraging start under Matthias Jaissle.

With Premier League minutes already coming his way and a place in the Netherlands U21 setup secured, the next challenge will be turning those early opportunities into consistent performances.

At only 18, there is little need to rush. His progress at Newcastle has already put him firmly on the radar, and his comments suggest he intends to keep his attention on football rather than the growing hype around him.