Opening Doorz
“Celebrating Life”
By Our Sports Desk | Opening Doorz Editorial | July 20, 2024 It’s a pity that only players from teams who reach the final corner glory and awards by the the governing sports […]
By Our Sports Desk | Opening Doorz Editorial | July 20, 2024
It’s a pity that only players from teams who reach the final corner glory and awards by the the governing sports body. Lamine Yamal hogged the limelight for his age and play. He took home the Best Young Player of the Tournament Award. Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, Rodri, was named as the Best Player of the European Championship. Both finished as winners with Spain.
For Opening Doorz, at Euro 2024, there were others besides Rodri and Yamal. And the one that stood tall, figuratively speaking, was Slovenia’s Benjamin Sesko who tore through defences with his decisive and defining runs through the centre, and the left flank. The towering Slovenian striker defied his 21 years, carving out a reputation as a player to watch. While Slovenia ultimately fell short in the knockout stages, Benjamin Sesko’s performance left fans wondering—is this the dawn of a new European superstar? Slovenia were knocked out in the penalties against Portugal. Or rather, Diego Costa’s performance in the goal proved decisive in helping Portugal march ahead.
Benjamin Sesko’s story begins in the small Slovenian town of Radeče, nestled amidst rolling hills and vineyards. Basketball was initially his passion, a sport where his height (a towering 6′ 4″) would have been a natural advantage. However, a local scout spotted his raw talent on the football pitch, and at age six, Benjamin Sesko traded slam dunks for powerful headers. It was a pivotal moment, setting him on the path to international stardom.
His early years were spent honing his skills at NK Krka, a local club known for nurturing young talent. Here, Sesko’s strength, aerial prowess, and surprising agility began to blossom. He was like a young oak, robust and full of potential, waiting to be sculpted into something truly magnificent.
Sesko’s coaches at NK Krka speak fondly of him. Coach Matej Oražem remembers a dedicated youngster who soaked up knowledge like a sponge. “He was always willing to learn, always pushing himself,” Oražem reminisces. “He had a hunger for success, even at that young age.”
His idol? Unsurprisingly for a target man with a knack for goals, it’s the legendary Zlatan Ibrahimović. Sesko admires the Swede’s confidence, leadership, and, of course, his ability to score spectacular goals. One can’t help but see a flicker of Ibrahimović in Sesko’s powerful finishing and fearless attitude.
In 2019, at the tender age of 16, Sesko caught the eye of Red Bull Salzburg, a club renowned for developing young talent. The move to Austria proved to be a turning point. Salzburg’s rigorous training regime and focus on attacking football perfectly suited Sesko’s skillset. He thrived under the guidance of coaches like Jesse Marsch and Marco Rose, learning the intricacies of modern forward play.
Benjamin Sesko’s time at Salzburg wasn’t without its challenges. He had to adapt to a new language, a new culture, and the intense competition within the Red Bull academy. However, he never lost sight of his goal—to become a world-class footballer. The hard work paid off. Sesko began tearing up youth leagues, scoring goals at an alarming rate.
His talent couldn’t be ignored for long. In 2021, Sesko was promoted to the Salzburg first team. He made his debut in a high-pressure Europa League game, showcasing his composure and lethal finishing on the big stage. He quickly became a regular substitute, impressing with his cameos and scoring crucial goals.
His rise mirrored that of another Salzburg graduate, Erling Haaland. Comparisons were inevitable, with some even calling Sesko ‘Haaland 2.0’. While Sesko acknowledges the similarities in their playing styles, he’s keen to forge his own path. “Haaland is a great player, but I want to be Benjamin Sesko,” he stated defiantly in a recent interview. Then came Euro 2024. Slovenia, a nation that had never reached the knockout stages of a major tournament, qualified for the first time. Benjamin Sesko played his part for Slovenia, becoming a symbol of hope for Slovenian football.
At the Euros, Sesko continued his impressive form. Despite playing in a relatively inexperienced team, he led the line with maturity. He was a constant threat in the air, winning aerial duels with ease and causing problems for even the most seasoned defenders.
The Round of 16 clash with Portugal was a defining moment. Facing the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, Sesko wasn’t fazed. He outshone the veteran with his tireless work ethic and even had two golden opportunities to win the game. Though he couldn’t find the back of the net, Sesko’s performance earned him plaudits from pundits and fans alike. He was the player everyone was talking about.
While Slovenia eventually bowed out in the penalty shootout, Sesko emerged as a hero. His performance at the Euros served as a coming-of-age story. He proved he could handle the pressure of the biggest stage and compete against the best players in the world.
Sesko’s future seems bright. Top European clubs are lining up at his doorstep with lucrative offers. However, he remains grounded. His focus is on continuing his development at RB Leipzig, a club known for its progressive style and emphasis on young talent.
Images Courtesy: benjaminsesko/instagram
Also Read: Euro 2024: Croatia’s Hopes Hang by a Thread
Also Read: Euro 2020: Like a Phoenix, Denmark has risen from the ashes!
