Artem Stepanov: Who is Bayer Leverkusen's Ukrainian refugee?
Young Ukrainian striker Artem Stepanov featured for Bayer Leverkusen for the first time in a UEFA Champions League encounter against Red Bull Salzburg. bundesliga.com looks at the youngster's rise at the Bundesliga champions after being forced to flee his homeland...
Data correct as of 27 November 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 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 Leverkusen's U17 Bundesliga West side, scoring eight goals and providing four assists during the 2022/23 season. The next season would see him take his output to another level, 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 there, producing 11 goals and four assists across the U19 Junior League as well as in the UEFA Youth League. His promise was recognised in January 2024 when Stepanov signed a professional contract with Leverkusen running to 2027.
With Leverkusen going through a injury crisis in the forward department with Victor Boniface as well as Amine Adli both unavailable to injuries and Patrik Schick being the only senior option available to Xabi Alonso, Stepanov was called on by the Leverkusen coach to help the senior team in a difficult run of fixtures in autumn 2024.
The youngster recently made the bench for Leverkusen's 5-2 win over Heidenheim and came on in the 73rd minute for Schick to make his first senior appearance in a UEFA Champions League tie against Salzburg that his side won 5-0 - with fellow youngster Francis Onyeka also featuring as a substitute.
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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
"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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