Artem Stepanov: Who is the youngster helping Bayer Leverkusen's striker crisis?
Bayer Leverkusen have a mini crisis in the striker department with Patrik Schick being the only senior available, Xabi Alonso has turned to the youth and Artem Stepanov could be one making his debut fairly soon..
Data correct as of November 26 2024
Artem Stepanov
Age: 17 (born 10 August 2007)
Club: Bayer Leverkusen
Position: Striker
Country: Ukraine (12 youth caps, eight goals)
Key stats
Born in Ukraine, Stepanov began his career in the academy at Shakhtar Donetsk, but would soon be forced to move away from his country of birth due to Russia's invasion. After securing trials at both Bayern Munich and Leverkusen, the youngster would choose the latter and move to Die Werkself in the summer of 2022 at the age of 15.
Stepanov would waste little time in making an impression, making 21 appearances for the U17 Bundesliga West side, scoring eight goals and providing four assists during the 2022/23 season. The next season would see him display another level to his output, notching 19 goals and two assists across 26 appearances for the U17s. This season, he has moved to the U19s and has been just as impressive at a higher level, producing 11 goals and four assists across the U19 Junior League as well as UEFA Youth League.
These impressive figures were rewarded in January this year, when Stepanov signed a professional contract with Leverkusen upto the year 2027. A just reward for a talent whose stock is on the rise.
Leverkusen's striker options are thin at the moment with Victor Boniface as well as Amine Adli both unavailable to injuries and Patrik Schick being the only senior option available to Xabi Alonso. This is where Stepanov has been opted by the Leverkusen coach to help the senior team in a difficult run of fixtures.
The youngster recently made the bench for Leverkusen's 5-2 win over Heidenheim and is expected to have increased involvement in the weeks to come. He was also involved on the bench for their DFB Cup first-round tie against FC Carl Zeiss Jena in August.
Alongside Stepanov, fellow youngsters Francis Onyeka and Ben Hawighorst will be involved in their UEFA Champions League tie against Salzburg.
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Plays a bit like: Erling Haaland
This comparision might seem like a stretch but when you see the 6'3" tall Stepanov in action, all the similarities are apparent. As a striker, Stepanov packs pace, goalscoring instinct around the box and a good eye for a header to attack any half-decent cross. Making darting runs across centre-backs when attacking crosses, Stepanov uses his imposing frame to create separation for shots and has already shown some impressive finishes in his goals for Leverkusen's youth sides.
The Haaland comparisons are even easier to make considering he's embraced the same hairstyle as the former Borussia Dortmund star.
Did you know?
Stepanov was first called up to the senior squad by Alonso during last season's pre-season friendlies, starting up front against Alemannia Aachen in a 4-2 win for Die Werkself.
What they're saying
"Playing every two or three days is very demanding physically for our players. In the current situation we have to make efficient decisions and also be creative. All our players are ready at any time and that's why I remain positive." - Alonso after calling up Stepanov alongside Onyeka and Hawighorst.
"I’m happy to be part of a big team @bayer04fussball, Thank you for your trust.⚫️🔴" - Stepanov on Instagram after signing his long-term contract.
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