Kobbie Mainoo — Worth the hype or overrated?
The man of the moment, the name on everyone’s lips, the 18 year old playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world. In a short amount of time, Kobbie Mainoo has emerged as the next big thing. There is all round excitement about his prospects, but is he overhyped?
At only 18 years old, the Englishman has become a mainstay in Ten Haag’s side. Although Manchester United fans have been aware since pre season of his talent, the masses really started to take notice when he scored the winner and subsequent goal of the month with a brilliant solo effort against Wolves in a 4–3 victory. Mainoo’s ability to take responsibility and remain calm has epitomised his rise and earned the midfielder links to Tigana. Mainoo plays with a maturity that far exceeds his age. His birth certificate says he’s 18, but he plays like a seasoned 28 year old.
The young midfielder has incredible composure for his age. He has a special ability to remain calm under pressure, receive the ball in dangerous spaces and make the best decisions. He doesn’t panic where others might and plays with a humble confidence, rest assured of his ability. He doesn’t continuously play killer balls, but rather waits for the right time. Although some see him as a CDM, and the remedy to Man United’s Michael Carrick void that is yet to be filled, I believe with his abilities, he could be wasted as the deepest midfielder. He has the ability to play the incisive pass into and when in the final third and has proven this season to be a goal threat. If you aren’t aware of Tigana, I would also liken his style to the great Andres Iniesta. As you would expect, Mainoo does have his shortcomings. He is not the best at defending over large areas, and has at times been caught out by opponents running off him.
Rightly so, debate is being had as to not only if Mainoo should be on the plane, but is he deserving of a starting berth at the heart of England’s midfield. I believe he provides a much needed contrast to England’s current midfielders and will be a real asset when England seek to control the tempo at this year’s Euro’s.
It can be easy to forget that he has only played less than 30 games of first team football in his career, but the midfielder is a generational talent. He’s not being selected due to the lack of options. Rather he is being picked because he’s the best and most suitable option. He could potentially solve United’s and England’s longstanding midfield issues and has ultimately proven to be worthy of a place on the plane to the Euros.
Kobbie Mainoo has a long way to go to achieve his potential, but with the right coaching and more games in the bank, he could quickly become one of the world’s best midfielders.
