Newcastle fans are in complete agreement about Steur’s debut: ‘We have to Ajax...’

Sean Steur made his Premier League debut on Sunday evening in Newcastle United v Liverpool and immediately won over the Magpies faithful in the first half. Newcastle led 1-0 at half-time thanks to an early goal from Anthony Elanga, while Steur in particular, still only 18, drew striking praise across social media.

Fans are feeling very positive about the former Ajax player. His composure on the ball stands out in particular, as does the way he is holding his own alongside Lewis Miley against Liverpool's midfield. "At his age, Steur really shouldn't be this calm on the ball," one supporter writes, while another says: "He constantly wants the ball and keeps dropping deep to collect it. That is very encouraging."

Others have already gone a considerable step further after just 45 minutes. "Did we hold Ajax to ransom for Steur? That boy is unbelievable," one reaction reads, while another fan jokes: "We should really pay Ajax another fifty million extra for Steur."

Frequent comparisons are also being made with Sandro Tonali, whom Newcastle have swapped for Tottenham Hotspur. "Steur, you've basically replaced Tonali straight away," one supporter writes, while elsewhere it is said: "The difference in quality on the ball between Miley and Steur on the one hand and Tonali on the other is night and day."

For many supporters, the most striking aspect is the composure with which Steur is handling his Premier League debut. "He looks after the ball as if it's a newborn baby. He is playing far beyond his years, as if this is his 300th match," reads one notable reaction. Another supporter writes: "Before the match I thought Steur would struggle with the physicality of the Premier League, but so far he is dealing with it brilliantly. He does not look out of place at all."

Just one half in, Steur already seems to have built up plenty of credit with his new fanbase. "Steur is a star", "Steur is phenomenal" and "that boy is a real baller" are among the most enthusiastic reactions, while one supporter perhaps sums up best how quickly things can move: "Ajax fans say they have not seen a midfielder come through their academy this good since Frenkie de Jong. I promise you: we have something very special here."

There is still some caution, however. Some supporters feel Steur takes too much risk with his passing at times: "I'd like to see him play a bit more simply and force things less, but for an 18-year-old making his Premier League debut, he is doing fantastically."