Aurélien Scheidler: On loan Bari man enjoying time in Belgium after struggles with FC Andorra

Last season, French striker Aurélien Scheidler spent the year on loan with La Liga 2 side FC Andorra. In 33 games for the side he scored five goals, providing no assists. The side were also then relegated from the Spanish second tier, with Scheidler then returning to parent club Bari. The French forward had joined the Italian side after a decent season with Dijon back in 2021/2022, but he had struggled to find his form in Italy. He scored three goals and grabbed two assists in 25 games for the side before being packed off on loan.

That 14 goal season in the French second tier with Dijon must have felt like a fever dream for the forward after two years of struggles. Then an opportunity came to join another side expected to struggle this season in Dender. Scheidler was loaned to the newly promoted Belgian side and has, in recent weeks, been a revelation. The physical forward scored two well taken goals at the weekend as the side overcame Kortrijk 3-0 away from home. He has also matched the numbers he had in 21 games for Bari in just 12 games for Dender.

What stands out about Scheidler is that he looks confident in Dender. Clearly, the move has benefited the forward, with three goals and two assists in just 12 games. With the sides star striker Bruny Nsimba having struggled in recent weeks, the form of Scheidler has certainly helped. It is clear that head coach Vincent Euvrard is a fan of the 26-year-old, having started him in every league games since the 1-1 draw with Anderlecht at the end of September.

While it is unlikely that we will see the striker hit 14 goals for the side this season, if he can grab 10 that would be a huge boost for a team that is not free scoring. The side have scored 23 goals in 18 games, a number that is slightly skewed by games against Kortrijk; back in August they beat the side 4-1 at home.

Even outside of the goals, Scheidler’s all round game has suited Dender’s style. The side do have an option to buy the forward at the end of the season, with just one year left on his contract with Bari. If he can help them remain in the Pro League it is highly likely they will exercise that option come the end of the season.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson