Former Chelsea and Manchester United transfer target Benjamin Sesko made a huge impression after scoring a stunning volley in Slovenia’s final game of the international break.
The 19-year-old’s spectacular effort earned his country a crucial point, with Matjaz Kek’s side narrowly evading relegation from the UEFA Nations League League B. Sesko, who was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in the summer, channelled his inner Marco van Basten and Robin van Persie with a first-time volley on his left foot that found the opposite top corner.
A long pass looped over and across the striker’s midriff before arrowing the ball over Sweden goalkeeper Robin Olsen.
Videos of Sesko’s sensational goal flooded all forms of social media as fans across the globe came together to appreciate the technical excellence required to pull off such an effort.
The teenage sensation’s performance was not a fluke but instead one of many which courted the interest of Europe’s biggest clubs.
According to Fabrizio Romano in August, Chelsea had a meeting with Sesko’s agent over a potential move to Stamford Bridge.
The report added that United had several meetings with the Slovenian.
Despite strong interest from the Premier League, the striker opted to join RB Leipzig instead in a deal which is said to have cost in the region of £20million.
He will swap Salzburg for the German giants in the summer of 2023, with comparisons to Erling Haaland continuing to grow as he – intentionally or not – follows the Manchester City star’s career pathway.
Sesko, who has penned a contract which keeps him at the Red Bull Arena until 2028, spoke on his admiration for the striker following Slovenia’s bout with Norway in the international break.
He told Norway’s TV 2: “He’s an amazing player, I’ve big respect for him and I usually watch many YouTube videos about him.”
After Slovenia’s 2-1 win over Norway, Sesko asked Haaland to swap shirts.
Speaking of the interaction, he said: “I’m very happy I received Haaland’s jersey. I want [to] keep it for my jersey collection. He also said ‘well played‘, I was very happy.”
Sesko was then asked if he could go on to become an even better striker than Haaland.
He replied: “It is very difficult. He is at the very, very highest level. Only a few per cent manage to be at that level.”
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