While Liverpool have officially confirmed the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer, Newcastle United are bracing themselves for the departure of Alexander Isak — who has made it clear he wants a move to Anfield.

In this article, we compare Hugo Ekitike vs Benjamin Sesko to determine which striker offers more value, quality, and potential in the Bundesliga, with both players being right-footed.

As we noted in our previous analysis, Ekitike is more than capable of playing alongside Isak in the same team. The Frenchman offers tactical flexibility, often operating in a more reserved role — either on the left flank or as part of a dual attacking midfield setup alongside new Liverpool signing Florian Wirtz. You can read the full article here.

Meanwhile, with Isak heading out, Newcastle have quickly turned their attention to another Bundesliga talent: Benjamin Šeško of RB Leipzig. The Slovenian striker has long been on the radar of top European clubs and now emerges as Newcastle’s top target to replace their outgoing Swedish star. Manchester United are also said to be interested in the striker, according to Fabrizio Romano.

It’s also worth recalling that Šeško was Arsenal’s initial priority for the No. 9 role before the Gunners eventually signed Viktor Gyökeres. Reports suggest RB Leipzig were not willing to lower their asking fee and that Gyökeres displayed a stronger desire to join Arsenal, unlike Šeško and his camp, who seemed less eager to force a move to North London.

In this article, we’ll break down the profiles of Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Šeško, comparing their playing styles, strengths, tactical fit, and long-term potential — to assess which club is getting the better Bundesliga striker in this window.

Non-Penalty Goals per 90: The Purest Measure of a Striker’s Scoring Ability

This stat shows how often a player scores excluding penalties, offering a clearer picture of their true attacking threat during open play

Player	Season	Club	Non-Penalty Goals per 90
Hugo Ekitike	2024–25	Eintracht Frankfurt	0.49
Benjamin Šeško	2024–25	RB Leipzig	0.42
Hugo Ekitike	2023–24	Eintracht Frankfurt	0.50
Benjamin Šeško	2023–24	RB Leipzig	0.83

Over the last two seasons, Hugo Ekitike has been the more consistent scorer, posting 0.50 non-penalty goals per 90 in 2023–2024 and 0.49 in 2024–2025. In contrast, Benjamin Šeško had a standout 2023–2024 season with 0.83 goals per 90 but has dropped sharply to 0.42 in the 2024-2025 campaign.

While Šeško had the single best season between the two, Ekitike may be more preferred in the overall comparison because of his greater consistency across both years. To some, it may indicate that he can be a more reliable scorer over a given duration.

Conversion Rate (%): How Ruthless Is the Finisher?

Conversion rate reflects how efficiently a player turns chances into goals, which is crucial in tight matches where every opportunity counts.

Player	Season	Club	Conversion Rate (%)
Hugo Ekitike	2024–25	Eintracht Frankfurt	17.24%
Benjamin Šeško	2024–25	RB Leipzig	26.0%
Hugo Ekitike	2023–24	Eintracht Frankfurt	16.67%
Benjamin Šeško	2023–24	RB Leipzig	33.33%

In terms of conversion rate, Benjamin Šeško has clearly outperformed Hugo Ekitike in both seasons. Šeško converted 33.33% of his chances in 2023–2024 and 26.0% in 2024–2025, showing elite finishing efficiency across both campaigns. Ekitike, meanwhile, posted 16.67% in the 2023-2024 season and a slightly improved 17.24% during the 2024-2025 season.

Šeško not only had the higher peak but also maintained a far superior conversion rate overall, making him the more clinical and effective finisher across the two-year period.

Assists per 90: Creating Goals, Not Just Scoring Them

Assists per 90 reveal a forward’s ability to contribute beyond finishing by setting up teammates, a key trait in well-rounded attackers.

Player	Season	Club	Assists per 90
Hugo Ekitike	2024–25	Eintracht Frankfurt	0.28
Benjamin Šeško	2024–25	RB Leipzig	0.19
Hugo Ekitike	2023–24	Eintracht Frankfurt	0.25
Benjamin Šeško	2023–24	RB Leipzig	0.12

When it comes to assists per 90, Hugo Ekitike has outshone Benjamin Šeško in both seasons. Ekitike averaged 0.25 in 2023–2024 and has slightly improved to 0.28 in the 2024-2025 season, while Šeško managed just 0.12 in the 2023-2024 season and 0.19 last campaign.

Ekitike has been the more creative of the two, consistently providing more for his teammates and finishing well ahead in both years.

Ekitike also outperforms Alexander Isak in assists per 90, highlighting his creative edge. See the full Ekitike vs Isak comparison here, including how they could complement each other at Liverpool.

Chances Created per 90: Unlocking Defenses with Vision and Timing

This stat measures how frequently a player crafts opportunities for others — vital for linking play and breaking down stubborn defenses.

Player	Season	Club	Chances Created per 90
Hugo Ekitike	2024–25	Eintracht Frankfurt	1.5
Benjamin Šeško	2024–25	RB Leipzig	0.7
Hugo Ekitike	2023–24	Eintracht Frankfurt	1.6
Benjamin Šeško	2023–24	RB Leipzig	0.7

When it comes to creating chances, Hugo Ekitike has shown far greater consistency and output than Benjamin Šeško. In both the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 seasons, Ekitike averaged 1.6 and 1.5 chances created per 90 minutes respectively for Eintracht Frankfurt.

In contrast, Šeško managed just 0.7 chances per 90 in each of those seasons for RB Leipzig, underlining Ekitike’s stronger playmaking ability and involvement in build-up play.

Shots on Target per 90: Testing the Keeper Consistently

Shots on target show how often a player forces the goalkeeper into action, highlighting their threat level and attacking involvement.

Player	Season	Club	Shots on Target per 90
Hugo Ekitike	2024–25	Eintracht Frankfurt	1.55
Benjamin Šeško	2024–25	RB Leipzig	1.10
Hugo Ekitike	2023–24	Eintracht Frankfurt	1.13
Benjamin Šeško	2023–24	RB Leipzig	1.47

In terms of shots on target per 90 minutes, both Ekitike and Šeško have had fluctuating performances over the past two seasons. In the 2024–2025 campaign, Ekitike leads with 1.55 shots on target per 90, surpassing Šeško’s 1.10 for RB Leipzig.

However, the previous season saw a reversal, with Šeško slightly ahead at 1.47 compared to Ekitike’s 1.13, suggesting that while Šeško had a more accurate shooting year in 2023–2024, Ekitike has sharpened his finishing and become more dangerous in front of goal in 2024–2025. Will he improve further at Liverpool? We wait to see.

Shot Accuracy (%): Precision in the Final Third

Shot accuracy reveals how well a player directs their efforts on goal, separating wasteful attackers from clinical ones.

Player	Season	Club	Shot Accuracy (%)
Hugo Ekitike	2024–25	Eintracht Frankfurt	38.6%
Benjamin Šeško	2024–25	RB Leipzig	43.9%
Hugo Ekitike	2023–24	Eintracht Frankfurt	30.0%
Benjamin Šeško	2023–24	RB Leipzig	53.2%

Benjamin Šeško has clearly held the edge over Hugo Ekitike in shot accuracy over the past two seasons. In 2023–2024, Šeško recorded an impressive 53.2% shot accuracy, nearly doubling Ekitike’s 30.0%.

Although Ekitike improved in 2024–2025 to 38.6%, Šeško still maintained the lead with 43.9%, showing greater consistency in hitting the target. This highlights Šeško’s more efficient shooting technique and decision-making in front of goal.

Key Passes per 90: Sparking Attacks with Intelligent Playmaking

Key passes directly lead to a shot, indicating a player’s ability to spot openings and feed teammates in dangerous areas.

Player	Season	Club	Key Passes per 90
Hugo Ekitike	2024–25	Eintracht Frankfurt	1.55
Benjamin Šeško	2024–25	RB Leipzig	0.72
Hugo Ekitike	2023–24	Eintracht Frankfurt	1.51
Benjamin Šeško	2023–24	RB Leipzig	0.71

Hugo Ekitike significantly outshines Benjamin Šeško in terms of key passes per 90 minutes, demonstrating a higher creative involvement. Across both the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 seasons, Ekitike averaged 1.51 and 1.55 key passes per 90 respectively—more than double Šeško’s output of 0.71 and 0.72 in the same periods.

This consistent gap highlights Ekitike’s superior vision and playmaking influence in the final third, making him a more effective link-up striker.

Successful Take-ons per 90: Beating Defenders One-on-One

This stat shows how often a player successfully dribbles past an opponent, essential for breaking lines and creating space.

Player	Season	Club	Successful Take-Ons per 90
Hugo Ekitike	2024–25	Eintracht Frankfurt	1.83
Benjamin Šeško	2024–25	RB Leipzig	1.47
Hugo Ekitike	2023–24	Eintracht Frankfurt	2.26
Benjamin Šeško	2023–24	RB Leipzig	1.00

Hugo Ekitike has consistently demonstrated greater ability in beating defenders one-on-one compared to Benjamin Šeško. In 2023–2024, Ekitike completed 2.26 successful take-ons per 90, more than doubling Šeško’s 1.00.

Although both players slightly dipped in 2024–2025, Ekitike still maintained an edge with 1.83 compared to Šeško’s 1.47. This showcases Ekitike’s superior dribbling confidence and ability to break lines with the ball at his feet.

Crosses per 90: Delivering Service into the Danger Zone

Crosses per 90 reflect a player’s role in wide buildup and ability to supply strikers — especially vital for wingers and full-backs.

Player	Season	Club	Crosses per 90
Hugo Ekitike	2024–25	Eintracht Frankfurt	0.60
Benjamin Šeško	2024–25	RB Leipzig	0.26
Hugo Ekitike	2023–24	Eintracht Frankfurt	1.13
Benjamin Šeško	2023–24	RB Leipzig	0.24

Ekitike also holds a clear advantage over Šeško when it comes to delivering crosses. In the 2023–2024 season, he averaged 1.13 crosses per 90, while Šeško managed just 0.24.

Although Ekitike’s numbers dipped slightly in 2024–2025 to 0.60, he still delivered more than double Šeško’s 0.26. This reflects Ekitike’s wider involvement and versatility in attacking positions, especially when drifting to the flanks or operating as a second striker.

Progressive Carrying Distance (Yards) per 90: Driving Attacks Forward

This stat shows how many yards a player advances the ball while in control, indicating their contribution to territorial dominance.

Player	Season	Club	Progressive Carrying Distance (Yards)
Hugo Ekitike	2024–25	Eintracht Frankfurt	81.01
Benjamin Šeško	2024–25	RB Leipzig	46.51
Hugo Ekitike	2023–24	Eintracht Frankfurt	62.85
Benjamin Šeško	2023–24	RB Leipzig	34.27

Hugo Ekitike outperforms Benjamin Šeško by a considerable margin in progressive carrying distance per 90 minutes, underlining his impact with the ball at his feet. In 2024–2025, Ekitike averaged 81.01 yards of forward ball progression per game—nearly double Šeško’s 46.51 yards.

The previous season told a similar story, with Ekitike registering 62.85 yards compared to Šeško’s 34.27 yards. This data points to Ekitike’s superior ability to drive play forward and break lines through ball-carrying, making him a more dynamic presence in transition and build-up play.

Pass Accuracy (%): Keeping Possession Under Pressure

Pass accuracy measures how reliably a player retains possession, crucial in maintaining attacking flow and controlling tempo.

Player	Season	Club	Pass Accuracy (%)
Hugo Ekitike	2024–25	Eintracht Frankfurt	75.5%
Benjamin Šeško	2024–25	RB Leipzig	67.6%
Hugo Ekitike	2023–24	Eintracht Frankfurt	67.9%
Benjamin Šeško	2023–24	RB Leipzig	65.2%

Ekitike has shown greater reliability in possession, outperforming Šeško in pass accuracy across both seasons. In 2024–2025, Ekitike completed 75.5% of his passes, a marked improvement from his 67.9% in 2023–2024.

Šeško, by contrast, recorded 67.6% and 65.2% in the same seasons, consistently trailing behind. This highlights Ekitike’s stronger ball retention and decision-making in link-up play, giving him the edge in technical efficiency.

Aerial Duels Won per 90: Dominance in the Air

This stat reflects how often a player wins aerial battles — vital for hold-up play, defending set pieces, and scoring headers.

Player	Season	Club	Aerials Won per 90
Hugo Ekitike	2024–25	Eintracht Frankfurt	1.83
Benjamin Šeško	2024–25	RB Leipzig	2.65
Hugo Ekitike	2023–24	Eintracht Frankfurt	1.76
Benjamin Šeško	2023–24	RB Leipzig	2.24

In aerial duels, Benjamin Šeško holds a clear advantage over Hugo Ekitike. The RB Leipzig striker averaged 2.65 aerials won per 90 in the 2024–2025 season and 2.24 the year before—outperforming Ekitike’s 1.83 and 1.76 respectively during his time at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Šeško’s superior aerial presence gives him an edge in target-man scenarios and set-piece situations, adding physicality to his attacking profile.

But who is taller? Benjamin Šeško stands at 1.95m, slightly taller than Ekitike at 1.90m—helping explain Šeško’s edge in aerial duels.

Ball Recoveries per 90: Defensive Work from the Front

Ball recoveries show how often a player regains possession, proving their value in pressing systems and transitions.

Player	Season	Club	Ball Recoveries per 90
Hugo Ekitike	2024–25	Eintracht Frankfurt	3.1
Benjamin Šeško	2024–25	RB Leipzig	2.4
Hugo Ekitike	2023–24	Eintracht Frankfurt	2.7
Benjamin Šeško	2023–24	RB Leipzig	1.7

Hugo Ekitike also shows greater defensive work rate than Benjamin Šeško when it comes to ball recoveries. In 2024–2025, Ekitike averaged 3.1 recoveries per 90 minutes, compared to Šeško’s 2.4.

The previous season showed a similar pattern, with Ekitike posting 2.7 recoveries to Šeško’s 1.7. This consistent edge highlights Ekitike’s stronger defensive contribution and willingness to press and win the ball back higher up the pitch.

Challenges Lost per 90: The Hidden Cost of Ineffective Duels

This stat shows how often a player fails in 1v1 duels, revealing potential weaknesses in physicality, timing, or technique.

Player	Season	Club	Challenges Lost per 90
Hugo Ekitike	2024–25	Eintracht Frankfurt	0.28
Benjamin Šeško	2024–25	RB Leipzig	0.30
Hugo Ekitike	2023–24	Eintracht Frankfurt	0.25
Benjamin Šeško	2023–24	RB Leipzig	0.41

When it comes to physical duels, Hugo Ekitike has been slightly more efficient than Benjamin Šeško in limiting challenges lost. In 2024–2025, Ekitike averaged just 0.28 challenges lost per 90, narrowly ahead of Šeško’s 0.30.

The gap was more pronounced in 2023–2024, where Ekitike posted 0.25, while Šeško struggled with 0.41. These numbers suggest Ekitike is more composed and selective in physical confrontations, losing fewer duels on average.

Miscontrols per 90: First Touch Under the Microscope

This stat tracks how often a player fails to control the ball properly, highlighting their technical sharpness and composure in tight spaces — crucial for maintaining possession in attacking zones. Nobody likes those Romelu Lukaku’s first-touch jokes and everyone would envy a striker with Dimitar Berbatov’s first touch and ball control

Player	Season	Club	Miscontrols per 90
Hugo Ekitike	2024–25	Eintracht Frankfurt	3.48
Benjamin Šeško	2024–25	RB Leipzig	2.50
Hugo Ekitike	2023–24	Eintracht Frankfurt	3.27
Benjamin Šeško	2023–24	RB Leipzig	1.89

One area where Hugo Ekitike clearly falls short is ball control under pressure. In both the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 seasons, Ekitike recorded significantly more miscontrols per 90—3.27 and 3.48 respectively—compared to Šeško’s 1.89 and 2.50. This suggests that Šeško is generally more composed when receiving the ball, especially in tight spaces, while Ekitike may still need to improve his first touch and close control in high-intensity situations.

Conclusion

Hugo Ekitike is the superior Bundesliga striker. His combination of creativity, dribbling, pressing intensity, and ball-carrying ability consistently outmatches Benjamin Šeško’s strengths.

While Šeško offers undeniable aerial dominance (standing 1.95 m tall) and raw physical presence, Ekitike’s overall versatility, link-up play, and defensive contributions align more closely with modern striker demands and EPL’s high‑pressing style.