Kobbie Mainoo could be about to thwart Man City star after his deserved England call-up.
Gareth Southgate evidently shared the widespread admiration for Kobbie Mainoo during the Manchester United vs Liverpool match on Sunday, recognizing his exceptional talent.
Even before the electrifying FA Cup clash, there had been growing calls for Mainoo to be included in the England squad due to his impressive debut with Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag has been a strong supporter of the 18-year-old since assuming his role at the club, with Mainoo’s progress hindered only by injuries in 2023.
Following his recovery from ankle troubles in November, Mainoo has been a consistent presence in the team, starting all but four of the last 21 games across various competitions and displacing more seasoned players.
Despite Christian Eriksen expressing frustration at his limited playing time this week, it’s difficult to argue against Mainoo’s stellar performances.
Despite only playing 70 minutes of the extended match against Liverpool, Mainoo stood out as a composed figure amidst the chaos, highlighting his exceptional abilities.
This outstanding performance has further accelerated Mainoo’s journey toward greatness in his career.
Kobbie Mainoo received a call-up to the England squad, a decision that diverged from Gareth Southgate’s previous choice. Southgate had initially omitted Mainoo from the squad, providing sensible rationale for his decision.
Despite acknowledging Mainoo’s exceptional performance, Southgate emphasized the importance of allowing the young and relatively inexperienced player time to mature, opting not to rush his progression.
However, following Mainoo’s impressive display in the Liverpool game, Southgate altered his stance. Despite the absence of any dropped players, Mainoo was elevated to the senior squad without having played a match for the Under-21s.
This move is particularly notable considering that even Jude Bellingham, a prodigious talent, had not entirely bypassed the Under-21 level (although he did participate in matches at just 16 years old). It underscores Mainoo’s status as a once-in-a-generation talent.
While Mainoo, wearing the No.37 jersey for United, offers much more than just defensive midfield prowess with his dynamic and forward-thinking style, he excels at disrupting opponents’ plays and instigating attacks. His skill set fills a valuable niche for England, which is currently lacking in similar players.
Mainoo’s inclusion poses challenges for a Manchester City player. There’s justified excitement surrounding Mainoo’s call-up, with England rightfully considered favorites for Euro 2024.
While the squad boasts strength, weaknesses arise at center-back, particularly if John Stones or Harry Maguire sustain injuries. The midfield also presents a concern, with Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips experiencing declines, leaving a gap for a quality, aggressive No. 8.
Phil Foden emerges as a natural choice for this role, given his impressive form and adaptability. Despite the potential of a formidable midfield trio comprising Foden, Bellingham, and Declan Rice, Gareth Southgate’s cautious nature suggests hesitance.
However, Mainoo’s emergence diminishes the likelihood of this trio materializing, as Southgate finds in Mainoo the missing piece for midfield completion.
Mainoo’s inclusion offers added passing prowess and defensive solidity, complementing the existing strengths of Rice and Bellingham. Consequently, the potential midfield trio of Rice, Mainoo, and Bellingham presents a well-balanced unit on paper, equipped with all the necessary attributes.
Kobbie Mainoo could be about to thwart Man City star after his deserved England call-up.