Liverpool’s choice is CLEAR in Hugo Ekitike vs Benjamin Sesko transfer dilemma

Liverpool have a clear winner in the transfer race between Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitike.

At this moment in time, Darwin Nunez's career at Anfield seems to have come to an end. Anfield Watch revealed exclusively all the way back in January that he's expected to leave the club this summer.

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The Reds' stance has not changed since. Nunez has not done much to convince Liverpool to keep him. It has now become clear that in order for Arne Slot's side to evolve this summer, a new no.9 needs to be brought in.

But who could that no.9 be?

There's been a lot of names linked with a move to Liverpool. Anfield Watch revealed exclusively that Victor Osimhen is an option, who the Reds like.

We also exclusively revealed that Liverpool have held talks with Hugo Ekitike's representatives as well ahead of the summer.

Now in a piece for The Athletic James Pearce has confirmed Liverpool's interest in Ekitike and also mentioned Benjamin Sesko as a name the club are looking at.

Both fit the profile of Liverpool's recruitment strategy. They are young players, who have proved themselves in a top league and who still have an abundance of potential.

But just who could be the best option for the Reds?

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Benjamin Sesko vs Hugo Ekitike?

Ekitike is 11 months older than Sesko so there is not much that separates them in terms of age. They are still both very young with Ekitike 22-years-old and Sesko 21-years-old.

Both of them are tall forwards, Ekitike stands at 1.91 metres meanwhile Sesko is at 1.95 metres.

So again, marginally nothing really separates them in terms of their basic profiles. But when it comes to their playing styles, Ekitike definitely has a lot more to offer.

First and foremost, he's a much bigger goal-threat, averaging 0.79xG per 90 in the Bundesliga this season compared to Sesko who averages just 0.38xG per 90.

Playing at the focal point of the Frankfurt attack, Ekitike thrives at finding space inside the box and getting himself in goal-scoring opportunities.

He's a much more rounded profile with brilliant all-around skills and a very clean technical ability compared to Sesko, who is still very raw and does need to work more on his overall involvement.

This is emphasised by the underlying numbers as well with Ekitike averaging 0.24 expected assisted goals per 90 in comparison to Sesko's 0.08 per 90 average.

Meanwhile, for shot-creating-actions, Ekitike averages 3.70 per 90 as opposed to Sesko's 1.89.

Arne Slot needs a forward who can link-up with his teammates and create chances as well as scoring goals. Ekitike is a much better player for that purpose than Sesko.

He's more tactically and positionally flexible as well. Ekitike is comfortable drifting out-wide, drawing defenders away to create space for his teammates.

When needed the Frenchman also thrives at taking defenders on. He averages 3.41 progressive carries per 90 in comparison to Sesko's 1.73 per 90.

Ekitike also averages 4.27 take-ons per 90 as opposed to Sesko's 2.93 per 90.

Crucially, he provides more work off the ball as well, making 0.20 tackles in the opposition's final third which is more than Sesko's 0.12 per 90 average and averaging 3.14 recoveries per 90, again higher than Sesko's 2.33 per 90.

In terms of speed, they are both very quick which gives them a lot of advantages for closing down their opponents. Ekitike has a top speed of 35.53km/h in the Bundesliga this season, meanwhile Sesko has a top speed of 35.33km/h.

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Looking at the overall picture, it's clear if Liverpool were to choose between the two of them that Ekitike is the clear winner. He's much more suited to Slot's demands of a no.9 and he's a more rounded and complete player.