Kevin Benkič (2005)

Kevin Benkič • 20-year-old left-back • Slovenia

Kevin Benkič is a modern attacking left-back for NK Brinje Grosuplje, combining creativity, ball progression, pace, and defensive work rate. At just 20 years of age, he has already established himself as a key player, starting every league match during the 2025/26 season and playing a central role in the team’s attacking structure.

His most striking attribute is his ability to influence the game in advanced areas. He consistently pushes high up the left flank, creating chances through intelligent movement, progressive passing, direct dribbling, and high-quality delivery from wide areas. His return of 8 assists highlights his end product, but the underlying numbers are arguably even more impressive.

Averaging 1.8 key passes per match, he regularly creates opportunities for teammates and functions almost as an additional playmaker from the left side. Rather than simply overlapping and delivering crosses, Benkič is comfortable operating in both wide and half-space positions, allowing him to combine with teammates and participate in build-up play higher up the pitch.

His crossing numbers are particularly noteworthy. Accurate crosses 2.4 (35%), combined with 8 assists and outstanding chance-creation statistics, demonstrate a player capable of consistently delivering quality service from wide areas. His delivery from set pieces adds further value, as he regularly takes corners and free kicks and possesses a reliable left foot capable of creating danger from both open play and dead-ball situations.

His dribbling numbers are equally encouraging. Successful dribbles 2.6 (68%) show both confidence and efficiency when carrying the ball forward. He has the pace to attack space, the balance to resist physical pressure, and the confidence to attempt creative solutions in 1v1 situations. His willingness to take responsibility in possession makes him a difficult opponent for defenders to contain.

His passing profile adds another layer to his game. Accurate passes 30.3 (76%) is particularly impressive for a player operating in advanced areas and attempting progressive actions. Long balls 1.4 (48%) further underline his ability to move play forward and create opportunities from deeper positions. He combines creativity with efficiency and contributes to ball progression without sacrificing possession unnecessarily.

Defensively, Benkič contributes more than many attack-minded full-backs. Ball recoveries 7.3 reflects a high level of activity and engagement without the ball. He is clearly more offensive than conservative in his positioning, but he does not neglect his defensive responsibilities. Despite standing only 178 cm tall, he competes effectively in the air, with Aerial duels 1.3 (56%) representing a strong return for a player of his size. Combined with his pace, physical resilience, and willingness to compete, he offers more defensive substance than his attacking profile might initially suggest.

Areas for improvement

As with many young attacking full-backs, continued development in defensive positioning and physical duels will be important as he progresses to higher levels of competition. The raw tools are already present, and further refinement could help round out an already highly promising profile.

Career trajectory and current form

A product of Slovenian football, Benkič has become one of the key players for NK Brinje Grosuplje during the 2025/26 campaign. Despite operating from left-back, he has emerged as one of the team’s primary creators, producing 8 assists while maintaining a strong Sofascore rating of 7.32 across 28 league appearances.

His profile stands out because several indicators point in the same direction: 8 assists, 1.8 key passes, Accurate crosses 2.4 (35%), Successful dribbles 2.6 (68%), Accurate passes 30.3 (76%), Long balls 1.4 (48%), Ball recoveries 7.3, and Aerial duels 1.3 (56%).

His strong performances have not gone unnoticed. In June 2026, Benkič earned his first call-up and debut for Slovenia U21, taking another step forward after progressing through the Slovenian youth national team system.

Transfer outlook

Modern attacking full-backs with genuine end product remain among the most sought-after profiles in football. Benkič combines creativity, crossing quality, set-piece delivery, pace, ball progression, and defensive activity in a profile that is difficult to find, particularly in a player who is still only 20 years old.

While the Slovenian second tier is not among Europe’s strongest competitions, his profile appears well suited to leagues that value energetic and attack-minded full-backs. Scandinavian football would be a logical next step, offering a competitive environment where his qualities could continue to develop.

For clubs searching for an affordable left-back with significant upside, Kevin Benkič is a name worth monitoring closely.