Benjamin Šeško (foto: Getty Images)
Arena Sport analyst Denis Šme believes Benjamin Šeško’s confidence surge at Manchester United shows the striker is finally performing like a marquee signing, while also praising Jaka Bijol’s rise.
Former footballer and now Arena Sport presenter Denis Šme has taken a closer look at Benjamin Šeško — and Jaka Bijol — offering insight into their recent performances in England.
Šeško and Manchester United are preparing for their next test, an FA Cup tie against Brighton & Hove Albion on January 11. Preparations under interim coach Darren Fletcher come with a psychological boost for the Slovenian striker, who scored twice against Burnley in his last league outing to end a goal drought.
Two halves, two Šeškos
Šme believes the Burnley match marked a clear turning point.
“If you compare the first and second halves, we saw two different Benjamin Šeškos,” he said.
“In the first half, it was the old Šeško — trying hard, shooting, maybe forcing things a bit, looking nervous. Then came the second half and we saw a confident Šeško. He was demanding the ball, moving it, running, covering space. It was a top performance, crowned by two goals.”
According to Šme, the timing was crucial.
“He scored at exactly the right moment — just as the coach left. He immediately got another chance and took it. Now he’s in a much better position.”
System and support matter
The former Olimpija and Maribor player expected Šeško to reach this level.
“Šeško is now showing the outlines of the signing Manchester United need. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s important that he had a great Bruno Fernandes behind him this time. You can see what Šeško can do with that kind of midfielder. And the 4-2-3-1 system suits him far better.”
The pressure around United
Šme also highlighted the relentless scrutiny that comes with playing for Manchester United.
“The machinery around United can be brutal. Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand — and of course Alex Ferguson — are always there. No other club has that kind of shadow,” he said.
Solskjær as a good fit?
With United still considering their next permanent coach, Šme believes Ole Gunnar Solskjær would suit Šeško.
“I’d like to see Solskjær at United. I think he’d recognise Šeško’s potential. Even when he doesn’t score, Šeško works, runs, defends. As a former striker, Solskjær could really help him with the finer details.”
Bijol catching the eye
Šme also singled out Bijol’s recent progress at Leeds United.
“The turning point was the match against Manchester City. Leeds changed system and Bijol now plays in a back three, which suits him perfectly. He’s confident, strong and composed.”
His mentality stands out most.
“If I were making decisions at United, I’d think about him. United don’t have a defender like Bijol. He’s not only a very good player, but also a great person — open, honest, and mentally extremely stable. That matters in England.”