Sean Steur has revealed that a message from Eddie Howe helped him stand out as one of the few positive performers in Newcastle United's 1-1 pre-season draw with Gateshead on Saturday.
Impressive debut in midfield
Steur, along with Alex Murphy, was one of two Newcastle players to play the full 90 minutes at Gateshead International Stadium. The 18-year-old impressed in the middle of United's midfield three, always eager to have the ball, looking tidy in possession and consistently progressing the ball forward with his passing.
It was an assured start in his first Newcastle game in front of paying supporters, with almost 7,200 fans in attendance. Steur revealed that Howe told him to get on the ball and express himself.
Steur on his move and influences
"Yeah, of course," Steur replied when asked if signing for Newcastle was a dream. "It's a really big club in the Premier League with a lot of history so I am really happy to be here. Of course I need to learn but everybody wants to play."
"There is a lot of competition but I will just try to do my best and play as many minutes as I can. They have a good vision but I cannot really say that to you. They didn't really have to convince me because if a club like that comes it is an honour."
On his style: "[I like to] Just get on the ball and make the team play football. Attacking football I like so just that. Everybody here has confidence in himself otherwise they wouldn't be playing here. They are all good players who believe in themselves."
"Of course I can learn a lot from him [Eddie Howe]. He tries to help me as much as possible and he told me to get on the ball and try and play my game. It is a pre-season game so it is also for fitness but I have to learn a lot and I hope we can go forward."
"I need to learn a lot. Every player wants to play as much as I can and I hope to be a part of the club's success."
Asked about his influences in the Premier League and Dutch players at Newcastle, Steur said: "I was a really big fan of [Kevin] De Bruyne. He is the one I watched a lot. [The Dutch players at Newcastle] Were a bit before my time but of course Wijnaldum and Botman is a really good guy who helps me a lot. I am happy he is here and he is someone I can learn from a lot."
Rapid rise to the Premier League
Steur has had a rapid rise, playing only 25 first-team games for Ajax after breaking into the team last season. He moved to St James' Park in a deal worth up to £23 million, and admits his speedy ascension to the Premier League has surprised even him.
"No," Steur replied when asked if he could have imagined a year ago that he would be a Newcastle player and preparing to play in the Premier League. "It has gone really fast and I am learning and I hope to have as much success with the team as I can."
