On loan Bayer Leverkusen striker in fine form for Utrecht to start the Eredivisie season

On loan Bayer Leverkusen striker in fine form for Utrecht to start the Eredivisie season Utrecht finally got off the mark in the Eredivisie this past weekend with a 2-1 win over Excelsior. Once again, Ukrainian striker Artem Stepanov was on the score sheet. On loan from Bayer Leverkusen for another season, the 19-year-old is in the form of his life. Utrecht may have struggled for points, but Stepanov has not struggled for goals. The striker has score in all five of his appearances so far this season. In that time, the striker, who previously had spells on loan at FC Nurnberg, has already matched his goal tally for Utrecht from last season. It took him 15 games to reach five goals last time out. It will be quite a shock if he fails to score more than that this season. For Utrecht, they will also be happy that they were able to include a purchase clause with Bayer Leverkusen as part of the loan agreement. However, the Bundesliga side also have a buy-back option included in the deal. If Stepanov continues to score at such a rate, Utrecht will surely pick up the purchase option, even if the idea is to then sell him on for more or even back to Bayer Leverkusen for a profit. Stepanov is also filling a hole that Utrecht had last season. Gjivai Zechiel was the sides top scorer in the Eredivisie with just eight goals. With Utrecht now getting that first win, fans will hope that the side can actually capitalise on Stepanov’s fantastic start to the season. For head coach Anthony Correia, getting that first win will also be a major relief. GBeNeFN  |  Ben Jackson