Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko — both are set to take on the attacking duties in the Premier League. But which forward’s signing is better as per the stats? Let’s have a look.
This season, Premier League clubs are going strong in the transfer market as multiple world-class forwards have already joined or are linked with PL clubs. Hugo Ekitike for Liverpool, Victor Gyokeres to Arsenal, and now Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United.
Hugo Ekitike joined Liverpool last month from the German side Frankfurt. The club paid close to €90m for the French striker to bring him to Anfield this summer.
On the other hand, Benjamin Sesko is on his way to join Manchester United as the final agreement has been reached with RB Leipzig. Man United will pay €76.5m initially plus €8.5m in add-ons for the Slovenian, as per Fabrizio Romano.
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Hugo Ekitike vs. Benjamin Sesko: What the stats say
Both strikers have a very similar profile on the field. Ekitike and Sesko both played in the Bundesliga last season, where they showed great abilities.
In the German league, Ekitike scored 15 goals while Sesko scored 13. Ekitike’s goals per 90 were slightly higher at 0.55 compared to Sesko’s 0.51. He also took way more shots — 112 in total, averaging 3.68 per game — while Sesko had 64 shots at 2.28 per game.
Even with fewer shots, Sesko was more accurate and had a better conversion rate. He made the most of his chances, while Ekitike’s higher xG (0.69 per 90) showed he was getting into better scoring positions. Sesko’s xG was lower at 0.32, meaning he was more selective with his attempts.
The Frenchman stood out in creativity. He had 8 assists compared to Sesko’s 5, and his xA of 0.18 was more than double Sesko’s 0.07. He also created more chances and made over twice as many progressive runs, carrying the ball forward more often.
In the air, Sesko had the advantage. He won more aerial duels and, at 1.95m, is slightly taller than Ekitike, who stands at 1.90m.
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