Victor
Victor
@Vrdfr_
Jul 8 8 months ago 20 tweets Read on X
AI Summary

This thread breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of Sesko as a striker, comparing him to others like Openda and Ekitike. It points out that Sesko struggles with timing runs, receiving the ball under pressure, and quick decision-making. While he has potential, he needs to improve aspects like positioning and technical skills to become a top striker. Ekitike looks more ready now.

So Benjamin what do you have for us (vs VFB Stuttgart in the DFB Pokal semi-final) :

- What's the angle ?📐
- Waze striker or not ?🧭
- Look alive 👣
- Rondo reception under pressure🕺

@Vrdfr_
🧵? https://t.co/njLDsiinbg
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Earlier this year I posted this quick opinion on Sesko based on a few games I had seen in Europe because I don't watch the Bundesliga and won't pretend I do so to get more clout/interactions
Anyway, since the rumors are getting louder, I thought I'd take a more serious look a him

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WHAT'S THE ANGLE ?
Runs in behind are meant to be performed at the right time and with the right angle otherwise it's just another iteration in the "High intensity runs" chart.
Sesko struggles there.

When it comes to data to evaluate CFs, you can keep your npxG/shot. I look at shots/touches in the box, progressive passes received, fouls won...
Openda has received 8.39 progressive passes/90 when Sesko has received 5.34/90 in the Bundesliga this season. Ekitike 7.54/90.

WAZE STRIKER ?
If you are where Sesko is, chances are you can do something on the ball.
You can’t even get on the pitch if you can’t control the ball, shoot, run quick or kinda...
The challenge for young pros is to do it in game context vs better defenders.

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It's about reading the play, reacting to cues to move accordingly.
Some CFs move like they’ve got a GPS in their mind because they know where to go/when/how and figure out where the ball is going next before the passes are played. Sesko is not one of them.

LOOK ALIVE

Part of the bill to fit as a professional striker worth is salt is to be an outlet when your team is under pressure.
Again : be alive and not flat footed, know where to go, get there quickly and with an angle..
Sesko struggles with that too.

If you can't do that, someone has to do it for you otherwise your team is going to spend an awful lot of time stuck in their own half throwing hopeless balls where you're not.
Nothing irrevocable, but it needs some work.

RONDO RECEPTIONS
One of the big argument for the Sesko hive is that he is said to be technical.
I've already made my mind about strikers who spend their time dropping off the frontline to receive the ball in their feet quite clear.

@Vrdfr_
6ft5 striker dropping to do nice lay offs. Game's gone.

Of course there are two things to know :
- Sesko can't do hold-up play because he doesn't know how to.
- He is also not that good at receiving to feet.

@Vrdfr_
@Terrenc22701579 Sesko is full of potential, but no substance to it yet. He is quick, he is tall, he jumps high and can shoot hard when given 4 seconds. He doesn't get the right angles on his runs, struggles with hold up play and isn't yet consistent with his finishing abilities.

I’m a basketball casual.
But in that aspect Sesko kind of reminds me of some NBA bigs getting a mismatch then trying some nice turn around jumper when they *essentially* have the size and power to just bully their defender and score an easy basket or draw a double team.

How do I dare say that when he looks easy on the eye ?

Well, no scan upon reception, no arm to protect, no foot planted in front of the ball.

Some other stuff about Sesko starting with his ability to get shots off. Said this earlier and I'm afraid I was right.

@Vrdfr_
@rentaldeeds Him, for any team in the world. Ekitike's top (box movement, finishing, link up...) but more of a dribbler, less of a bully. Sesko is a freak athlete with elite ball striking but needs to improve his footwork and reduce the time between his last touch and his shot.

See yourself, 3-4 touches to set up a shot with a defender that can turn and block the shot.

Some other stuff or the "technical art". Sesko can make a 40 yard ball stick to him in full extension. But in some other situation he struggles to solve problems when the ball bounces and shit. He often has to chase it around.

Also, I red that he had box domination whatsoever (because he is tall and jumps high). Box movement is not just about that, Sesko could use some progress in that area as well.

Finally footwork is really important when looking at a player especially to change directions and making runs without losing momentum
Here the textbook separation would be backpedaling on your toes, not turning/twisting while not being available for a pass

Guess who does it better ?

@Vrdfr_
Separation move on toes... https://t.co/To9kTHpZQM

As said a few days ago; the Bundesliga isn't the best league to develop strikers. Let alone in one of the dominant sides like Leipzig and in a two men game with Openda. You don't have to do much, you're not in the trenches.

@Vrdfr_
My take is that Bundesliga is not a good league to DEVELOP strikers.
End to end games with lots of spaces : how do you refine your movement and especially in the box ?
Defenders don't make contact : how do you develop good hold up play.
https://t.co/lRMULLGRqs

Sesko can turn really good. He has the material.
But if you take a serious look, there's no way you take him over Ekitike. Eye test, data whatever you want. One is ready, the other needs work.
Might only be a matter of time before it gets obvious if they get their moves.

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