English development big Mainoo raises expectations: ‘Ought to be aiming for Seedorf stage’

“Ok is sufficiently old” was one among Johan Cruijff’s beliefs. The phrases actually apply to the Spanish model Lamine Yamal, who celebrated his seventh birthday yesterday, but additionally to Kobbie Mainoo, a 19-year-old from England.

Mainoo was among the many standouts for England within the semi-final towards the Dutch nationwide workforce. He set the tone early by convincingly profitable the match towards Cody Gakpo and continued that momentum all through the match. It isn’t with out cause that the Manchester United midfielder is in comparison with none aside from four-time Champions League winner Clarence Seedorf.

“I am not saying he has the identical abilities, however there are indicators, he provides me ‘vibes’ of Clarence Seedorf,” former worldwide Rio Ferdinand instructed TNT Sports activities in February “I am speaking about the best way he can transfer in tight conditions and the way he makes use of his physique.”

Wes Brown, additionally a global and former Manchester United participant, made the identical comparability to Squawka: “The way in which he turns away, his assumptions, the best way he protects the ball. I performed towards Clarence just a few instances and he was of top quality. Large, sturdy, all the time saved the peace, even for giant golf equipment in massive video games.”

Kobbie Boateng Mainoo has Ghanaian dad and mom and was born in Stockport, a city south of Manchester. On the age of six, Mainoo was scouted by Manchester United and three years later he joined the Pink Devils youth academy.

In January 2023, Mainoo made his debut within the first workforce and this season he progressed underneath Erik ten Hag. He missed the beginning of the season by damage, however has been within the beginning line-up virtually repeatedly since late November and scored United’s aim within the 2-1 FA Cup ultimate win over Manchester Metropolis.

“I do not assume it’s best to examine gamers,” mentioned Ten Hag. “Ceaselessly. As a result of Kobbie Mainoo and different gamers construct their very own id. He has character traits. After all he can study from others. Particularly from nice gamers like Seedorf. However Kobbie is Mainoo Kobbie Mainoo. He has a whole lot of potential and I’m positive he may have an amazing profession.”

Mainoo fortunately agreed: “It is nice to be in comparison with a legend like Seedorf, however on the finish of the day I am simply Kobbie.

Earlier this month, Ten Hag’s contract extension with Manchester United grew to become official. The coach prolonged his contract till mid-2026. The novelty was a reduction to Mainoo.

“Clearly I am glad we’re persevering with to construct with him,” Mainoo mentioned at a press convention at England’s coaching camp in Blankenhain. “It is good and reassuring that we all know who the coach we’re preserving us within the new season. I am unable to thank him sufficient for his perception in me and the arrogance he gave me.”

Mainoo began the European Championship on the bench, made a short substitute look towards Serbia, didn’t play towards Denmark and got here on once more towards Slovenia. Within the final eight recreation towards Slovakia he received his first beginning place and he saved towards Switzerland and the Dutch workforce.

In a column for the BBC, Ferdinand returned to his comparability between Mainoo and Seedorf after reaching the ultimate. It appeared that the previous defender mentioned the comparability with the true Seedorf in Germany. “Clarence instructed me he undoubtedly noticed it too,” Ferdinand mentioned.

In line with Ferdinand, Mainoo can go for the highest stage if he improves some facets, reminiscent of his lengthy go, extra hazard in passing and his lengthy imaginative and prescient. “If he provides extra components to his recreation, he can go from an excellent participant to a superb participant, Seedorf stage. That is what he has to try for.”