A ‘special goal machine’ – meet Slovenia’s dangerous man

Euro 2024 is fast becoming a tournament for young stars – Slovenian Benjamin Sesko will be desperate to join the party.

The poster boy for the traditional ‘number nine’, Sesko is one of the most exciting young strikers in Europe and has seen the likes of Lamine Yamal, Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz make a big impression in Germany.

On Tuesday, the 21-year-old is at the heart of Slovenia’s ambitions to reach the knockout stage of a major tournament for the first time – knowing that a win over England would guarantee qualification

He hasn’t scored in Slovenia’s first two games at Euro 2024, draws against Denmark and Serbia, but Gareth Southgate’s men know the RB Leipzig striker poses a huge threat.

‘No one knew he was so special’

The hopes of a nation may rest on his shoulders, but in his fledgling career he has had no problems with pressure.

Last season he scored 14 goals in 31 appearances and became a fan favorite in his first season at Leipzig after transferring from Red Bull Salzburg.

His form saw several major European clubs, including Chelsea and Arsenal, express interest before he signed a new contract in June to silence speculation.

Miran Zore, Slovenian journalist at Nogomania.com, said: “He left Slovenia very young, at 16, when he moved from Domzale to Salzburg. His talent was already there.

“We expected his success, but no one knew he was so special, except his agent, Elvis Basanovic, who tried to convince people of his potential. He used to send messages to scouts and managers saying: ‘this is the next goal machine’.

“When he was struggling in Salzburg at the beginning, people asked his agent, ‘where is this goal machine’. Now everyone is laughing about it.”

World-class players are not that common in Slovenia, so there are high expectations.

Former Slovenian national team and national team director Miran Pavlin said: “He is very modest, comes from a small town and knows how to handle all things.

“He became a big star at a very young age, but he remained a normal guy and I’m sure he will remain that way in the future as well.”

Pavlin, a former Porto and Friborg midfielder, played in two major tournaments for Slovenia – Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup – and knows the expectations that weigh on Sesko’s shoulders.

“[Pressure] It’s good for him,” he added. “Even though he had to deal with it when he was young. We at the federation try to take the pressure off.

“People expect him to score every game, but that’s not possible in football. In the first two games he worked for the team and did very well. We’ll be happy if he scores against England.”

‘Comparisons with Haaland are lazy’

Sesko’s meteoric rise has led to comparisons with Erling Haaland, Manchester City’s prolific Norwegian.

He has already said that he studies Haaland’s game on YouTube and, after playing against him in an international friendly in September 2022, he insisted on changing his shirt for him.

Sesko is 1.80m tall, but that doesn’t limit him when it comes to mobility and speed, just like Haaland. “These comparisons motivate me and give me energy,” he said.

“Haaland is a finisher, but Sesko is a different type of player,” said Zore. “He chases defenders all over the place, is strong in the air, a great finisher and can also shoot from outside the box.

“The comparison with Haaland came because of their similar height and career trajectory. But I think Haaland is a penalty player, while Sesko is much more. He can also be a playmaker in attack, opening up space.”

Although Atlético Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak is Slovenia’s best-known player, Sesko is undoubtedly their biggest threat.

He scored his first international goal at the age of 18 years and one day and became the team’s top scorer in Euro 2024 qualifying with five in nine matches.

‘He could be one of the best in the world’

The sudden stardom didn’t faze him, however.

“He has the greatest marketing potential among all Slovenian players, but he is very modest,” said Zore.

“He always takes photos with the kids after games, sometimes it can last more than 30 minutes. He’s kind of a national hero, but very humble and open.”

Sesko still has that passion for football – the sport he fell in love with while growing up in Radece, a small town in southeastern Slovenia. He also played basketball, only choosing football at age 15.

This was a decision that changed my life, as he now appears on the radar of the main clubs in Europe.

His agents spoke to Serie A and Premier League clubs and he even received an offer from Saudi Arabia.

Ultimately, he opted to stay at least one more season at Leipzig and signed a new contract until 2029.

However, Sesko is still destined for a big change in the coming seasons.

“He has to focus on playing well and the transfer will come, if not this year, then in one or two years. He has the potential to be one of the 10 best strikers in the world, for sure,” said Pavlin.