Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko: Which striker should Arsenal buy this summer?

4. Out of Possession

Arsenal know the importance of off-the-ball work and, in these two players, Arteta is really spoilt for choice.

Sesko makes up for his modest goal tallies on this front. Pressing is key to the Red Bull ethos and the Slovenian commits to it fully, not only doing so with great aggression but also intelligently as he tries to cut off passing lanes for the opposition.  

His heart-on-sleeve efforts owe to a tremendous personal engine, while they also highlight his sharp eye to spot danger. That sort of diligence makes him an asset and should only enhance our already impressive knack for forcing turnovers high up the pitch.

Praise should be reserved, too, for Gyokeres because he also works very hard out of possession and forces the turnovers which enable his strong, transitional threat. He also knows when to go or wait for the moment to pounce, though his low rate of success for blocks and clearances (23rd and 30th percentile) indicates he can be more effective.

It might not concern Arteta too much as goal-scoring is the primary role and both players offer him more than enough to work with off the ball. Exposure to the RB Leipzig setup may favour Sesko, but they are difficult to split.

Verdict: Tied

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