For Sean Steur, who celebrated his eighteenth birthday on Sunday, the world looks completely different (read: better) than it did a few months ago. The gifted Ajax midfielder rarely featured in John Heitinga's plans, but has become an indispensable part of Fred Grim's starting lineup. A team that, when the Eredivisie resumed, continued its good trajectory from December 2025 and triumphed at Telstar (2-3).

Afterward, the discussion focused on Ajax's strong first half, the lionheartedness of Anthony Correia's White Lions (after debutant Cedric Hatenboer was sent off), the comeback from 0-3 to 2-3, and the embarrassing final phase, from an Amsterdam perspective, against the ten-man team of the brave Telstar. Following that, Steur, who had once again put in a strong performance in Velsen-Zuid, sat in a corner of the Buko Stadium and spoke about his form, development, future, and Louis van Gaal.

The midfielder sought the dressing room after 75 minutes, with goals from Oscar Gloukh, Mika Godts, and Youri Baas at 3-0. Baas (own goal) and Danny Bakker (2-3) made it a nail-biting affair, though the birthday boy had other ideas. "I didn't feel they were going to make it 3-3. But I'm happy with the three points, because that's what counts," said Steur, who was very pleased with Ajax's excellent first half. "We played well and quickly took a 2-0 lead. In the second half, things went wrong after we were a man up. It seemed like we weren't sticking to our agreements and were just winging it. You could see that in the 2-3. We should have made it 4-0 or 5-0."

Steur himself scored a solid pass mark. When asked, he described himself as a player. "I'm someone who likes to get the ball, wants to create the play, and likes to play through the middle. I want to combine, play beautiful football, and try to get football into the team." The Volendammer kicks with his left foot just as easily as with his right. "I trained a lot on that with my dad. It was a lot of kicking and dribbling on the pitch. And if you do that a thousand times, it naturally improves."

**How does it affect your self-confidence that Ajax won't get replacement for Kenneth Taylor, who has left for Lazio Roma?**  
"I'm not really thinking about that, but it's definitely a sign of trust. And I also feel a lot of trust from the staff and from the top. That makes me happy. This coach uses a lot of youth and uses me a lot."

**Rumors of a move to Eintracht Frankfurt are buzzing in Germany. How do you see your future at Ajax differently than earlier this season?**  
Steur: "It's a bit different. I'm happy playing now. Being on the pitch makes me very happy. Right now, I'm also solely focused on Ajax."

**Do you think the new contract, which you have been discussing with Ajax for some time, will come about?**  
"Yes, I think things will work out and I'll extend my contract with Ajax. It was never my plan to leave. We have to work something out."

**You are now eighteen years old, so you can sign for five years.**  
"Yes, yes, yes, if all goes well, then I will simply extend my contract with Ajax."

**Do you consider yourself a starter now?**  
"No, I have to perform every match. And by playing well, I have to show that there's no reason to take me out. I think I can do much better, if I'm honest. Although I can also see that things are going well."

**Is it true that Louis van Gaal said you would play everything under him?**  
"Yes, I had a conversation with him, and he's a very special man and coach. He said a few things to me that gave me a lot of confidence, including that. It was really nice, and I hope I get to talk to him again soon."







[De Telegraaf] Sean Steur (18) wants to extend his contract with Ajax: 'Louis van Gaal said a few things to me that gave me a lot of confidence'