Purmerend, Netherlands – Ajax midfielder Sean Steur’s omission from the latest Jong Oranje (Netherlands U21) squad has ignited a debate among Dutch football analysts, with prominent commentator Johan Kraay going so far as to say he’d “eat his chicken coop” if Steur isn’t superior to some of the players currently selected. The controversy comes on the heels of Steur’s recent goal in De Klassieker, the high-profile rivalry match between Ajax and Feyenoord, further fueling the discussion about his readiness for the national youth team.
The 18-year-ancient Steur, who currently plays for both Ajax’s first team and its reserve side, Jong Ajax, has quickly become a rising star in Dutch football. Born January 11, 2008, in Purmerend, he debuted with Jong Ajax in May 2024 and made his Eredivisie debut with Ajax in February 2025. He’s now a regular contributor to the Ajax squad, even featuring in UEFA Champions League matches, and signed a contract extension through June 2027 last August.
Despite his growing prominence at club level, Steur was not included in Michael Reiziger’s squad for the recent friendly against Norway, a match Jong Oranje lost 3-2. Reiziger explained the decision, stating, “You want to offer a young player time to develop properly. Sean is doing well and is a starter at Ajax, but not every game yet.” Reiziger also noted a pre-existing relationship with Steur from his time working within the Ajax organization, adding that “at the moment, it was too early” to call him up.
Kraay, however, strongly disagrees with that assessment. He believes Jong Oranje lacked the necessary quality in midfield during the defeat to Norway and that Steur could have made a significant difference. “I often feel like watching Jong Oranje is like a labor, even at the European Championships,” Kraay commented. “I love football so much, just like you and the people who are watching. I never get bored, but I was incredibly bored in the first half with this Jong Oranje.”
Kraay criticized the play of midfielders Rav van den Berg, Wouter Goes, and later, Dies Janse, suggesting their passing was too predictable and lacked ambition. He contrasted Janse’s initial forward-thinking play with a reversion to safer, lateral passes later in the match. But his most pointed criticism was reserved for the selection of players ahead of Steur.
“And if I have one more thing to say about Jong Oranje: the midfield with Schreuder, Banzuzi and Zechiël… If there isn’t a place for a starter from Ajax, then I’ll eat my chicken coop!” Kraay exclaimed, directly referencing Steur. He went on to question the comparison between Steur and his midfield competitors, stating bluntly, “If Steur isn’t better than Banzuzi… he was terrible.”
Fellow analyst Marciano Vink echoed the sentiment regarding Banzuzi’s performance, stating he has been inconsistent. Vink also acknowledged the presence of Zechiël, who can play both as a defensive midfielder and a box-to-box player, and suggested that a fully fit Tygo Land could also have been considered. Kraay concluded, “If you have Steur, Zechiël and Land, you have a completely different midfield than this.”
The debate highlights the delicate balance between nurturing young talent and fielding a competitive team. Reiziger’s approach appears to prioritize gradual integration, allowing Steur to continue developing within the Ajax system before being thrust into the international spotlight. However, Kraay’s passionate defense of Steur underscores the belief that the young midfielder is already capable of contributing at the U21 level.
Steur’s statistics support his growing reputation. As of March 23, 2026, he has made 14 appearances for Ajax in the Eredivisie, scoring one goal, and 29 appearances for Jong Ajax, also with one goal. He has also represented the Netherlands at various youth levels, including the U15, U16, U17, and U18 teams, accumulating six goals across those appearances. His versatility, playing primarily as a midfielder, adds to his value.
The situation also raises questions about the criteria for selection within Jong Oranje. Whereas Reiziger emphasizes the importance of development, Kraay argues that overlooking a player performing consistently at a high level for a top club like Ajax sends the wrong message. The contrasting viewpoints reflect a broader discussion about the pathway for young Dutch players aiming to break into the national team setup.
Looking ahead, Steur will undoubtedly continue to be a key player for Ajax as they compete in the Eredivisie and potentially in European competitions. His performances will be closely monitored by Reiziger and the Jong Oranje coaching staff. The next international break will be a crucial opportunity for Steur to potentially earn a call-up and prove his worth on the international stage. Ajax’s schedule continues with a match against [Next Ajax Opponent – *verification needed*] on [Date of Next Ajax Match – *verification needed*], providing another platform for Steur to showcase his talent.
The coming months will be pivotal in Steur’s development and his pursuit of a regular place in the Jong Oranje squad. Whether Reiziger ultimately decides to include him remains to be seen, but the debate sparked by Kraay’s outspoken comments ensures that Steur’s progress will be a topic of conversation among Dutch football fans for some time to come.
