Viktor Gyökeres vs. Benjamin Šeško: Who is a Better Striker?

The debate over who is the best striker in football is both enduring and fervent. Among the emerging talents who are capturing the attention of fans and analysts are Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Šeško. Both forwards have made significant contributions to their clubs and beyond, each displaying unique playing styles and impressive statistics.

Viktor Gyökeres, a Swedish forward currently excelling at Sporting CP, and Benjamin Šeško, a Slovenian striker making waves in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, represent two exciting archetypes of modern strikers. Evaluating who is the best between them is not merely a question of goals scored but involves analyzing their playing styles, efficiency, tactical roles, and growth potential.

This analysis is particularly relevant for general football fans who enjoy player comparisons, analysts seeking data-driven insights, fantasy football enthusiasts aiming for optimal picks, scouts refining their evaluation skills, and content creators seeking rich material.

This comprehensive comparison delves deep into their playing styles, statistical performances, and overall contributions, aiming to provide football fans, analysts, fantasy players, scouts, and content creators with a nuanced understanding of these two striking prospects.

Key Concepts and Theories in Striker Evaluation

When comparing strikers like Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Šeško, it is essential to understand several fundamental concepts and frameworks that help quantify and qualify their performances beyond just the number of goals scored.

Expected Goals (xG)

Expected Goals, or xG, is a statistical metric that estimates the quality of scoring chances a player receives. It assigns a value between 0 and 1 to each shot, representing the probability that the shot will result in a goal.

For example, a simple tap-in from close range might have an xG close to 0.9 (90%), indicating a very high chance of scoring, while a long-range shot from outside the box might have an xG of 0.05 (5%), reflecting a low probability.

xG is calculated using historical data from thousands of shots, considering factors such as:

• Distance from goal
• Angle of the shot
• Type of assist (through ball, cross, etc.)
• Whether the chance is one-on-one with the goalkeeper
• Body part used (foot, head)
• Game context (open play, set pieces)

This metric provides a deeper insight into a striker’s finishing efficiency by showing whether they are scoring more or fewer goals than expected based on the quality of chances they get.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals (npxG)

Non-Penalty Expected Goals (npxG) is a variation of xG that excludes penalty kicks. Since penalties have a high conversion rate (typically around 78%), including them can skew a player’s scoring efficiency. npxG offers a clearer view of a striker’s ability to score from open play and other non-penalty situations, making it a valuable metric for evaluating their overall goal-scoring threat.

Shot Accuracy and Conversion Rate

• Shot Accuracy measures the percentage of a player’s shots that are on target (i.e., requiring a save or resulting in a goal). Higher shot accuracy indicates better shot selection and precision.
• Shot Conversion Rate is the percentage of shots that result in goals. It reflects a striker’s clinical finishing ability.

Together, these metrics help assess how efficiently a striker turns shooting opportunities into goals, distinguishing between volume shooters and truly effective finishers.

Goal Involvement

Goal involvement combines both goals and assists to reflect a player’s overall contribution to the team’s offense. A striker who scores goals and also sets up teammates is often more valuable tactically, as they help create multiple scoring opportunities rather than just finishing them.

Playing Style Archetypes

Strikers can be categorized into different archetypes based on their roles and attributes within a team’s tactical setup:

• Target Men: Physically strong forwards who hold up the ball, win aerial duels, and bring teammates into play.
• Poachers: Strikers who excel at positioning inside the box to capitalize on rebounds and close-range chances.
• False Nines: Forwards who drop deep to link play and create space for others, often involved in build-up rather than just finishing.
• Versatile Forwards: Players who combine attributes of the above types, capable of adapting to multiple roles depending on tactics.

Understanding these archetypes helps contextualize a striker’s statistical output and playing style, as different roles demand different skills and contributions.

By using these key concepts—xG, npxG, shot accuracy, conversion rate, goal involvement, and playing style archetypes—analysts, scouts, and fans can form a comprehensive and nuanced evaluation of strikers like Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Šeško.

Statistical Comparison: Viktor Gyökeres vs. Benjamin Šeško

A detailed statistical comparison between Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Šeško during the 2024/2025 season highlights their distinct profiles as strikers, showcasing differences in goal-scoring efficiency, playing style, and overall contribution.

Viktor Gyökeres

Gyökeres stands out as a prolific and clinical finisher in the Portuguese Liga NOS, boasting an impressive 39 goals in 33 matches with a remarkable goal involvement of 46 (goals + assists). His shot accuracy (70.87%) and conversion rate (35.92%) are exceptional, indicating highly efficient finishing.

The striker’s physicality allows him to dominate aerial duels and hold up the ball effectively, contributing to his team’s build-up play and pressing high to disrupt opponents defensively.

His expected goals (xG) of 33.06 and non-penalty xG of 25.36 reflect his ability to consistently get into high-quality scoring positions and convert chances at a rate exceeding expectation, highlighting his finishing prowess.

Benjamin Šeško

Šeško’s 2024/2025 Bundesliga season shows a younger striker still developing his consistency but with clear potential. He scored 13 goals in 33 matches, with a goal involvement of 18, reflecting a solid contribution, though less prolific than Gyökeres.

His shot accuracy (62%) and conversion rate (26%) are respectable but indicate room for improvement in clinical finishing. Šeško’s expected goals (xG) of 12.58 and non-penalty xG of 11.18 place him in the top 93-94 percentile in the Bundesliga, demonstrating his ability to find good scoring opportunities.

However, his minutes per goal (185) indicate he scores less frequently than Gyökeres. Šeško excels in agility, sharp positional instincts, and movement in tight spaces but is less effective in physical hold-up play, which is an area for growth as he matures.

Summary

• Goal Scoring: Gyökeres’s goal-scoring rate (1.25 per 90) is more than double that of Šeško (0.49 per 90), reflecting superior finishing efficiency and volume.
• Shot Efficiency: Gyökeres’s higher shot accuracy and conversion rate underscore his clinical nature compared to Šeško.
• Physicality: Gyökeres leverages his physical strength and aerial ability effectively, while Šeško relies more on agility and positional awareness.
• Goal Involvement: Gyökeres contributes more overall to his team’s offense, with nearly twice the goal involvement per 90 minutes.
• Potential: Šeško, at 21, has significant room to grow, particularly in physical play and consistency, whereas Gyökeres is currently at a peak level of output.

This statistical comparison illustrates Gyökeres as a more complete and efficient striker in the 2024/2025 season, while Šeško remains a promising talent with a different style and developmental trajectory.

Playing Style and Tactical Roles: Viktor Gyökeres vs. Benjamin Šeško

Viktor Gyökeres

Viktor Gyökeres epitomizes the modern, complete centre-forward. Standing at 6’2″ with a strong physical presence, he combines power, pace, and technical skill to excel in multiple facets of the striker role.

• Physicality and Hold-Up Play: Gyökeres uses his strength to shield the ball effectively, serving as a reliable target man who can hold up play and bring teammates into the attack. His upper-body strength allows him to fend off defenders, maintain possession under pressure, and win aerial duels, making him a valuable outlet for direct and combination play.
• Movement and Runs: One of Gyökeres’s standout traits is his intelligent off-the-ball movement. He times his runs expertly to exploit gaps between defenders, often darting in behind the defensive line with explosive acceleration. His ability to vary his runs—whether diagonal or straight sprints—adds unpredictability and stretches opposition defenses, creating space for himself and teammates.
• Finishing and Versatility: A clinical finisher, Gyökeres is comfortable scoring with both feet and excels in one-on-one situations. His composure and power allow him to place shots accurately from various positions, while his aerial prowess adds another dimension to his goal-scoring arsenal. He can score from close range, distance, and headers, making him a multifaceted threat inside the box.
• Link-Up Play: Beyond scoring, Gyökeres contributes significantly to build-up play. He frequently drops deep to receive the ball, using close control and quick lay-offs to connect with midfielders and wingers. His ability to execute wall passes and third-player combinations helps his team break down compact defenses.
• Pressing and Defensive Contribution: Gyökeres is an active presser, using his speed and strength to disrupt opponents’ build-up. He applies pressure intelligently, cutting off passing lanes and forcing turnovers high up the pitch. His stamina and tactical awareness enable sustained pressing, making him a key component in his team’s defensive strategy.
• Tactical Role: At Sporting CP, Gyökeres often operates as the central striker in a 3-4-3 system, acting as both the primary finisher and a creator. He maintains a high position to stretch defenses and leads the line by combining physical dominance with technical finesse.

Benjamin Šeško

Benjamin Šeško presents a contrasting striker profile characterized by agility, sharp instincts, and positional intelligence rather than brute physicality.

• Mobility and Agility: Šeško thrives on quick, sharp changes of direction and excels in tight spaces. His movement is instinctive, allowing him to anticipate crosses and through balls effectively. This agility enables him to evade defenders and find pockets of space within congested areas.
• Positional Awareness: Šeško’s strength lies in his timing and spatial sense inside the box. He often positions himself cleverly to exploit defensive lapses, making him a natural poacher with a knack for arriving at the right place at the right time.
• Aerial Ability: While less physically imposing than Gyökeres, Šeško has a strong leap and can compete for aerial balls. However, he tends to avoid heavy physical confrontations, preferring to use timing and positioning over strength to win duels.
• Link-Up Play: Šeško’s passing and hold-up play are still developing. He favors quick lay-offs and safe cutbacks rather than prolonged possession under pressure. His style suits fluid attacking systems where forwards rotate and interchange positions, as seen at RB Leipzig 4.
• Tactical Role: Šeško fits well in dynamic, movement-oriented teams that emphasize fluidity and rotation among forwards. His agility and positional instincts make him effective in systems that require forwards to exploit spaces and combine quickly rather than hold the ball up physically.

Summary of Playing Style and Tactical Roles: Viktor Gyökeres vs. Benjamin Šeško

Viktor Gyökeres combines physical strength with technical and tactical intelligence, making him a versatile and complete modern striker who can lead the line and contribute to all phases of play. Benjamin Šeško, meanwhile, is a more agile and instinctive forward, excelling in movement and positioning within fluid attacking systems but still developing his physical and link-up play.

Both players offer distinct strengths that suit different tactical setups and styles of play, making the choice between them dependent on team needs and strategic preferences.

Current Trends and Developments: Viktor Gyökeres vs. Benjamin Šeško

In modern football, the role of a striker has evolved significantly beyond just scoring goals. Today’s forwards are expected to contribute to multiple phases of play, including pressing opponents, linking up with teammates, and creating space to unlock defenses. Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Šeško exemplify two distinct but complementary trends in striker development.

Multifaceted Striker Roles

Both Gyökeres and Šeško illustrate the broader trend where strikers are not only finishers but also active participants in team dynamics:

• Pressing: Modern strikers are often the first line of defense, applying pressure to opposition defenders to force errors and regain possession high up the pitch. Gyökeres is particularly noted for his energetic pressing, using his physicality and work rate to disrupt opponents’ build-up play.
• Link-Up Play: Beyond scoring, strikers are expected to combine with midfielders and wingers, facilitating quick passing sequences and creating goal-scoring opportunities. Gyökeres’s ability to hold up the ball and execute wall passes makes him a creative focal point in attack.
• Movement and Space Creation: Šeško’s game revolves around intelligent movement and anticipation. His agility and sharp positional sense enable him to exploit spaces and create chances not only for himself but also for teammates, fitting well into fluid attacking systems.

Viktor Gyökeres: Exceptional Form and Efficiency

In the 2024/2025 Portuguese Liga NOS season, Gyökeres’s performance has been outstanding. His goal involvement—combining goals and assists—places him in the top percentiles of the league’s attacking players.

His clinical finishing, physical dominance, and pressing intensity have made him a pivotal figure for Sporting CP. This exceptional form highlights the effectiveness of the physically imposing yet technically skilled striker archetype in contemporary football.

Benjamin Šeško: Promising Talent with Room to Grow

Šeško’s Bundesliga statistics for the 2024/2025 season demonstrate promising development, especially considering his young age (22) and the competitive environment at RB Leipzig. With 13 goals and 5 assists in 33 matches, he ranks in the top 93-94 percentile for non-penalty expected goals (npxG) in the Bundesliga, reflecting his ability to consistently get into good scoring positions.

His goal-scoring output tends to be less consistent compared to Gyökeres’s, which can be attributed to several factors. One significant aspect is the strong competition he faces for starting positions, which can impact his playing time and overall rhythm.

Additionally, he is still in the process of refining his physicality and finishing skills, essential elements that can significantly enhance his performance in front of the goal. As he continues to develop these areas, his goal-scoring consistency may improve over time.

Despite this, Šeško’s agility, sharp movements, and positional intelligence align well with the trend of mobile, intelligent forwards who thrive in dynamic, rotating attacking systems. He contributes not only through goals but also by creating space and opportunities in tight situations.

Summary of Current Trends and Developments: Viktor Gyökeres vs. Benjamin Šeško

Both players embody essential qualities of modern strikers but with different emphases: Gyökeres as a powerful, creative finisher and Šeško as a nimble, intelligent forward. Their trajectories reflect current trends in football, where versatility, pressing, and spatial awareness are as critical as goal-scoring prowess.

Case Studies and Examples: Viktor Gyökeres at Sporting CP and Benjamin Šeško at RB Leipzig

Viktor Gyökeres’s Impact at Sporting CP

Viktor Gyökeres’s rise at Sporting CP has been nothing short of spectacular, transforming him into one of Europe’s most lethal strikers. After joining Sporting in July 2023 for a club-record fee of €20 million (plus bonuses), Gyökeres quickly justified the investment by scoring twice on his debut and immediately becoming the focal point of Sporting’s attack.

• Goal Scoring and Assists: In the 2023/24 season, Gyökeres scored 47 goals and provided 11 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions, an extraordinary output that propelled Sporting from a mid-table team to league champions, finishing 10 points clear of Benfica. His goal-scoring prowess continued into the 2024/25 campaign, with multiple hat-tricks and consistent goal involvement placing him among the top strikers in Europe.
• Influence on Team Success: Gyökeres’s presence was pivotal in Sporting reclaiming the Primeira Liga title and maintaining a strong position in domestic and European competitions. His ability to score and create chances elevated the overall attacking threat of the team, contributing to Sporting’s highest goal tally in recent years.
• Playing Style and Charisma: Beyond statistics, Gyökeres’s confident and charismatic presence is reflected in his goal celebrations, often inspired by pop culture, which has endeared him to fans and boosted team morale. His physicality, technical skills, and pressing make him indispensable in Sporting’s tactical setup under coach Rúben Amorim.
• Market Value and Commitment: Despite intense transfer speculation and a hefty €100 million release clause, Gyökeres has remained committed to Sporting, symbolizing both his loyalty and the club’s strategic ambition to build around him.

Benjamin Šeško’s Role at RB Leipzig

Benjamin Šeško, while younger and less prolific than Gyökeres, has carved out an important role at RB Leipzig, demonstrating efficiency and tactical intelligence despite stiff competition for starting places.

• Efficient Contributions: Šeško’s appearances have often been limited but impactful. His anticipation and positional awareness have led to crucial goals, showcasing his ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities even in restricted minutes. This efficiency highlights his potential as a reliable goal threat in the Bundesliga[Body data].
• Tactical Adaptability: Šeško’s style suits RB Leipzig’s dynamic and fluid attacking system, which requires forwards to rotate, press, and combine quickly. His agility and sharp movements allow him to exploit spaces and adapt to different attacking roles, underlining his tactical versatility[Body data].
• Developmental Trajectory: Although still developing his physical presence and consistency, Šeško’s performances have earned him trust from coaching staff and fans alike. His growth trajectory suggests he could become a more central figure in Leipzig’s attack in the coming seasons.

Summary of the Case Studies and Examples: Viktor Gyökeres at Sporting CP and Benjamin Šeško at RB Leipzig

Viktor Gyökeres’s meteoric rise at Sporting CP illustrates how a physically imposing, technically skilled striker can transform a team’s fortunes and dominate a league.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Šeško’s promising performances at RB Leipzig highlight the value of agility, movement, and tactical adaptability in a competitive Bundesliga environment. Both case studies offer valuable insights into different striker archetypes thriving in modern football.

Who is the Best Striker? Viktor Gyökeres vs. Benjamin Šeško

Determining the best striker between Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Šeško depends heavily on the criteria used, as both players bring distinct qualities and profiles to the table.

Goal Scoring Efficiency

Gyökeres leads clearly in raw goal-scoring output and efficiency. In the 2024/2025 season, he boasts a remarkable 1.25 goals per 90 minutes with a shot accuracy of 70.87% and a conversion rate of nearly 36%, reflecting clinical finishing in Portugal’s Liga NOS. 

Šeško’s goal rate, while solid at 0.49 goals per 90 in the Bundesliga, is less prolific but still promising given his age and league difficulty. Both produce similar non-penalty goals per 90 when adjusted for age and role, but Gyökeres’s consistency and volume give him the edge in immediate impact.

Physicality and Hold-Up Play

Gyökeres’s physical presence (6’2″, 196 lbs) and strength in aerial duels make him a classic number 9 who can hold up play, win physical battles, and link effectively with teammates. His pressing and defensive work rate, however, is somewhat limited. Šeško, though tall and possessing a strong leap, tends to avoid heavy physical tussles, relying more on agility and timing rather than brute strength.

Movement and Agility

Šeško excels in sharp, instinctive movement, quick changes of direction, and intelligent positioning inside the box, making him a dynamic and mobile forward. His off-the-ball runs and pressing ability suit high-tempo, fluid attacking systems, particularly those emphasizing rotation and verticality like RB Leipzig’s style. Gyökeres, while mobile, plays more as a physical presence who stretches defenses with varied runs but is less reliant on agility.

Potential and Growth

At 21 years old, Šeško has a higher ceiling for development. His technical skills, ball control, and tactical versatility suggest significant room for growth, especially in physicality and finishing consistency. Gyökeres, at 26, is in his prime and offers immediate reliability but less long-term upside. This distinction is crucial for clubs balancing short-term impact with future planning.

Tactical Versatility

Gyökeres is a polished, ball-progressing striker who thrives receiving the ball between the lines, holding up play, and creating chances. He fits well as a central striker in structured systems requiring link-up play and physical dominance. 

Šeško is more suited to roles demanding fluid movement, pressing, and vertical runs, complementing creative midfielders and wide forwards. His pressing intensity and ability to stretch defenses offer tactical flexibility in high-press systems.

League Context and Adaptability

Šeško’s experience in the Bundesliga and Champions League exposes him to higher tactical and physical demands closer to the Premier League level, which may ease his adaptation to top-tier leagues. Gyökeres’s dominance in the Portuguese league is impressive but comes from a league generally considered slower and less physical, raising questions about his transition to more demanding competitions.

Summary of Who is the Best Striker? Viktor Gyökeres vs. Benjamin Šeško

Final Verdict

• For Immediate Impact: Viktor Gyökeres is the more proven, clinical striker with superior goal-scoring efficiency and physical presence. He is ideal for teams needing a ready-made, reliable number 9 who can lead the line and contribute creatively.
• For Long-Term Potential and Tactical Flexibility: Benjamin Šeško offers greater upside with his age, agility, pressing, and adaptability to high-tempo systems. He fits well in evolving tactical setups and provides a sustainable option for clubs’ planning.

Gyökeres is currently the more complete and consistent striker, while Šeško represents a high-potential talent with a different skill set suited to modern pressing and movement-based football. The choice ultimately depends on a club’s immediate needs versus long-term vision.

FAQs

What are the main differences in playing style between Gyökeres and Šeško?

Viktor Gyökeres is a physically strong striker who excels in aerial duels and hold-up play, using his size and strength to shield the ball and link with teammates effectively. In contrast, Benjamin Šeško is more agile and instinctive, relying on sharp movement, quick changes of direction, and positional awareness rather than physical battles.

Which player has better goal-scoring statistics?

Gyökeres has a significantly higher goals per 90 minutes ratio at 1.25 compared to Šeško’s 0.49. Gyökeres also boasts better shot accuracy and conversion rates, making him a more clinical finisher currently.

How do their expected goals (xG) compare?

Gyökeres’s expected goals (xG) and non-penalty expected goals (npxG) per 90 minutes are higher, reflecting his ability to consistently get into and convert higher-quality chances. Šeško’s xG per 90 is solid for his age and league, placing him in the top percentiles, but still below Gyökeres’s output.

Who is more suitable for fantasy football?

Gyökeres’s consistent goal involvement and higher scoring rate make him a more reliable fantasy football pick at present. However, Šeško’s potential and upside as a developing talent could make him a valuable long-term option for fantasy managers willing to invest in emerging players.

What areas should each player improve?

Gyökeres could enhance his creativity and link-up play further to become even more versatile in attack. Šeško needs to develop his physical presence and hold-up play to become a more complete striker, improving his ability to withstand physical duels and contribute to build-up play.

In Conclusion

Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Šeško represent two compelling and contrasting striker profiles in modern football. Gyökeres impresses with his clinical finishing, physicality, and well-rounded contribution to all phases of play, making him one of the most efficient and reliable strikers in the Portuguese Liga NOS. His ability to hold up the ball, link play, and consistently deliver goals and assists has established him as a proven performer at the senior level.

On the other hand, Benjamin Šeško offers exciting potential characterized by his agility, sharp positional sense, and adaptability within fluid, high-pressing systems like those in the Bundesliga. While still refining his physical presence and consistency, Šeško’s movement, pressing intensity, and tactical versatility make him a highly promising forward with a steep growth trajectory.

The choice of who is the best striker depends largely on the tactical context and priorities. For immediate impact and proven goal-scoring output, Gyökeres holds a clear edge with superior statistical performance and physical dominance. However, for long-term development and fitting into dynamic, pressing-oriented teams, Šeško’s profile aligns well with evolving football trends.

Football fans, analysts, scouts, and clubs aiming to balance present effectiveness with future potential would do well to monitor both players closely as their careers continue to unfold. Their contrasting strengths and styles enrich the ongoing conversation about what defines the modern striker in elite football.

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Akinpedia

Akinpedia is a seasoned content creator and author on Akinpedian.com, a platform dedicated to delivering well-researched and insightful articles across diverse topics and niches. With a passion for sharing knowledge, Akinpedia crafts engaging and informative content to educate and inspire readers worldwide.

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