"It has been a long time since Ajax played in the Youth League, so we are really looking forward to it," says Steur, who is set to make his debut in the ‘mini-Champions League’. "I think this is the first time in the Youth League for the whole team. We are very excited."
Steur, who was added to the first-team squad at the beginning of this month, hopes to make an impression at sports complex De Toekomst. "The Youth League is a fantastic stage to show yourself," he says. "We have a strong team and are well prepared. Yes, we are definitely ready."
Chest out
The right-footer is reasonably satisfied with his season so far. "We have had mixed results with Jong Ajax. I think I have had good moments, but there were certainly things that needed to be better." Then with chest out: "There will definitely be more good moments to come."
The 17-year-old Steur usually plays in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie against much older opponents and will now face players of his own age in the Youth League. "That is definitely different and I will try to take advantage of that," he says when asked. "We are just going to go for it."
His team-mate of the same age, Nash, also cannot wait to show himself on the European stage. "It certainly means a lot and we have been looking forward to it for a long time, actually since Ajax 1 officially qualified for the Champions League."
Jérémy Doku
As a young player, the winger was already inspired by the UEFA Youth League. "I always looked up to players like Doku. I also always watched the Future Cup, but especially the Youth League. That is another step higher."
Nash does not expect any gifts against Inter. "It is good for my development to play against big, strong guys," says the forward, who is anticipating a physical battle. "That is something I have always been used to with Italian football."
Nash welcomes the fact that Ajax take the Youth League seriously, even if Ajax U19 field a side that may not have played together before. "I have played with those boys before, so that does not change anything. Besides, I also play with guys like Sean and Emre in the national youth teams. We are all just really looking forward to it."
Focus on the League Phase
Nash and his team-mates are setting the bar high. "We take every competition we participate in seriously: the cup, the league, but of course the Youth League is also a trophy we want to win. We want to go as far as possible and show ourselves." At the same time, Nash stresses he does not want to look too far ahead. "First focus on the League Phase and then see step by step how far we can go."
The opener is against Inter. "I expect a great match, a lot of people on the sidelines and hopefully good, attacking football from us." They are words Steur is happy to echo. "We are going to press high and give a lot of energy. The fans will certainly see an attacking Ajax."
