Benjamin Sesko chasing first Euro 2024 goal against England

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Euro 2024 

It was a frustrating day for Benjamin Sesko at the Allianz Arena in Munich. The RB Leipzig striker played 76 minutes for Slovenia against Serbia, and despite having two touches in the box and one big chance, the final product was zero goals. At least teammate Zan Karnicnik managed to hit the goal, making it 1-0 for Slovenia, and Sesko and Co. seemed destined to reach the next round. But instead, Luka Jović scored with the game’s final touch to make it 1-1.

The result means that Slovenia now need to beat England in the final game of the group stage to advance. “It is very frustrating,” Slovenia playmaker Timi Max Elsnik said. “We thought we were qualified, and then it was gone in a blink of an eye.” Slovenia are at the tournament for the first time in 24 years and despite having a young and exciting squad, the lack of experience perhaps showed in that moment. That lack of experience might also be a factor in why Sesko hasn’t scored yet at the Euros despite having several chances. 

It wasn’t for a lack of moments, either. Although Sesko has a relatively low combined xG of 0.5 from the two games against Serbia and Slovenia, there were moments when the 21-year-old came close. What is missing for Sesko to finally get his first goal at Euro 2024 and perhaps help his team secure a win and passage to the next round?  “A bit of luck,” Elsnik said. “Everything is so close. He hit the post against Denmark today. He had a great shot, but the keeper made an amazing safe.”

Another factor is that Sesko plays a different role for Slovenia than he does for his club team, Leipzig. “He is doing a lot for this team; we aren’t Leipzig and attacking 70% of the time,” Elsnik said. “So, he is losing a lot of energy in defense. We need him as he is sacrificing himself a little bit. He is trying his best also when we don’t have good solutions. He makes bad balls look like good balls.”

Although, like Slovenia, RB Leipzig often play on the counter as well, there are some differences. Except for perhaps Bayern Munich and Leverkusen, Leipzig go into every Bundesliga game as the favorite. That means that despite a counter-pressing system, the attacking line is pushed further forward, which means Sesko has to cover less ground for Leipzig than Slovenia. Hence, the striker, who recently renewed his contract with the Red Bulls, ending speculations about a transfer to the Premier League, is playing a different role for his country.

Despite that, Elsnik is certain that the goals will come for Sesko. “I think he is close to the first goal,” the midfielder said. “He is still young and will get goals. Whether it is against England or in future European Championships. We are still young and will continue the story, and he will be our team’s main guy for a very long time.”