During his first official interview as a Manchester United player, Benjamin Šeško was asked to identify the three attributes that best define his playing style.
The 22-year-old striker didn’t hesitate, confidently listing qualities that he feels give him a significant edge on the pitch.
“Speed, power, kicking, and heading,” Šeško stated without hesitation, clearly proud of the skill set he brings to the club.
He went on to elaborate, explaining that he sees himself as the type of forward who thrives in attacking situations.
“I’m the kind of guy who is ready to attack, to be in front, and if there is space behind the defence to run into, I’ll take it,” he told MUTV.
He also emphasized the importance of aerial ability in his game, particularly when the team is delivering crosses into the box.
“Of course, if there are crosses, it’s always going to be nice. I’m always going to be there, and I think that is what is important,” he added.
This is especially significant for Manchester United, given their struggles in recent seasons to consistently convert opportunities from crosses or score headers.
For a club that has often lacked a consistent aerial threat in the final third, Šeško’s confidence in his heading ability will come as welcome news.
Early signs from training sessions suggest that the Slovenian forward has already been displaying these strengths, impressing both staff and teammates with his sharp movement and finishing technique.
In contrast, Viktor Gyökeres—another high-profile striker who will face Šeško’s United side on Sunday—has an area of his game where improvement is needed: heading.
While Gyökeres did score a header on his debut for Sporting CP, his overall record in this department has been poor by comparison.
Across 102 appearances in the Liga Portugal, the Swedish forward has only found the net with his head on four occasions. It’s a surprising statistic, given his physical presence and otherwise strong goal-scoring record.
Interestingly, this weakness mirrors a notable trait of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who was also not prolific with headed goals despite being a world-class striker.
However, in Gyökeres’ case, the lack of headed goals could be seen as a missed opportunity, particularly when playing alongside teammates capable of delivering pinpoint crosses.
With a player like Bukayo Saka—widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s best in providing accurate balls into the box—and a technically gifted new signing such as Martín Zubimendi supplying from midfield, improving in the air could significantly boost Gyökeres’ output.
As Sunday’s clash approaches, the contrast between Šeško’s aerial prowess and Gyökeres’ relative struggles in that department adds an intriguing subplot.
The big question is whether either striker will be able to make their mark with a headed goal when the two meet on the pitch.
