From within the confines of Ajax FC’s illustrious academy, an obvious heir apparent is ready to emerge.
There are high hopes for 17-year-old starlet, Sean Steur to replicate previous stars like Wesley Sneijder and Rafael Van Der Vaart, in particular and go on to have a major impact on the European game.
While he has already represented various youth teams at international level, Steur has shown obvious glimpses of quality and, should he break into the Ajax first team in the next year, he could well follow this up with a senior Netherlands call-up.
At the minute, he is described as a box-to-box midfielder, though he is demonstrating technical traits that suggest he can, in time, play further forward, similarly to Van Der Vaart whose influence was significant.
A Graceful Playing Style And Maturity Beyond His Years
Like many talented players that come through this fabled Ajax academy, Steur’s technique and composure for someone so young is quite remarkable. He excels at progressing the ball. Already this season he has registered 249 successful forward passes and created 13 chances over 538 minutes.
Meanwhile, his dribble rate stands at an impressive 63.6 percent, in line with his ability to by-pass midfield pressure; characteristic of the Ajax footballing philosophy. Also boasting four tackles, 15 duels won, one interception, plus 29 recoveries, this reflects well about his all-round game for such a young age.
With such impressive attacking-orientated statistics, he would likely be wasted in the number 6 role; certainly his traits reflecting that of (in time), a natural number 10 – similar to Van Der Vaart, or even Sneijder.
Europe’s Top Leagues Inevitably Beckon
Similarly to Van Der Vaart (who went on to play in Germany, Spain and England), should Steur continue on his impressive trajectory, then it should only be a matter of time before the big clubs become aware of his ability.
The likelihood is that he will be nurtured over the next couple of years, gradually introduced to the first team and even given a chance to express his influence on the European stage in any Champions League or Europa League campaigns.
There will be a hope that he can then affect games, providing assists and chipping in with decisive goals, which will likely make the top clubs sit up and take notice.
When it comes to young players, Ajax certainly know what they are doing. They have an entire history book to prove it, stretching back at least four decades.
A Big Season Ahead
If Steur is going to establish himself as an Ajax first team regular within a couple of years then this is a big season that he has in front of him.
He should at least be doing enough in the academy to get selected in the senior squad on a couple of occasions and even make a couple of appearances.
Of course, he will be competing with a few of his peers, however, Steur should have the confidence that he has enough talent to become a success.