Slovenia’s Benjamin Sesko: A Rising Star Set to Shine at Euro 2024
Euro 2024 is just around the corner, and one player who is eager to make his mark on the tournament is Slovenia’s Benjamin Sesko. At just 21 years old, Sesko is already considered one of the most exciting young strikers in Europe, following in the footsteps of players like Lamine Yamal, Jamal Musiala, and Florian Wirtz.
Sesko has not yet found the back of the net in Slovenia’s opening two games at Euro 2024, but his presence on the field is enough to make Gareth Southgate’s England team wary. As a traditional ‘number nine’ striker, Sesko possesses all the qualities of a top-class forward.
Last season, Sesko scored an impressive 14 goals in 31 matches for RB Leipzig, quickly becoming a fan favorite in his first season with the club after moving from Red Bull Salzburg. His performances caught the attention of top European clubs such as Chelsea and Arsenal, who expressed interest in signing him. However, Sesko put an end to the speculation by signing a new contract with Leipzig in June.
According to Slovenian journalist Miran Zore, Sesko’s success may not have come as a surprise to everyone. His agent, Elvis Basanovic, recognized his potential early on and worked tirelessly to convince scouts and directors of Sesko’s abilities. Zore also mentioned that world-class players are not common in Slovenia, which is why there are high expectations for Sesko.
Former Slovenian international and national team director Miran Pavlin praised Sesko’s modesty and ability to handle pressure. Pavlin believes that pressure can be a positive motivator for Sesko, even at such a young age. He acknowledged that people expect Sesko to score in every game, but emphasized that it is not always possible in football. Regardless, Slovenia’s federation is doing its best to support Sesko and relieve some of the pressure from him.
Sesko has drawn comparisons to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland due to their similar height and career paths. However, Zore believes that Sesko is a different type of player. While Haaland is primarily a penalty box player, Sesko’s game extends beyond that. He is known for his ability to chase defenders, his strength in the air, and his long-range shooting. Sesko’s versatility makes him a more well-rounded player compared to Haaland.
Despite his sudden rise to stardom, Sesko remains humble and down-to-earth. He takes time after games to interact with young fans, often spending more than 30 minutes taking pictures and signing autographs. His passion for football is evident, as he fell in love with the sport while growing up in a small town in Slovenia.
While Sesko had opportunities to move to other clubs, he chose to stay at Leipzig for at least one more season, signing a contract extension until 2029. However, it is clear that Sesko’s potential is immense, and he is destined for a big move in the near future. Miran Pavlin believes that Sesko has the potential to be one of the top 10 strikers in the world.
As Euro 2024 continues, all eyes will be on Benjamin Sesko as he looks to lead Slovenia to the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time. With his talent, determination, and humility, Sesko has all the makings of a true star in the world of football.