Manchester United have the best Premier League player under 20, according to one CBS Sports pundit.
The NFL Draft will be held later this Spring, which allows teams in the sport a chance to select the best young players from across College Football, in a pre-determined order.
There is no such equivalent in European football due to the academy system.
But theoretically, if such a Draft were held, how would it look in 2024?
‘Kobbie Mainoo is number one pick’
Following on from the NFL Super Bowl, CBS Sports team of pundits carried out a brief ‘Premier League Draft’.
Former City defender Micah Richards was the man tasked with picking first, and he selected a Manchester United player.
“I’m going with Mainoo, Man United. Start a team like that”, he said.
Kate Abdo agreed, commenting, “Oh yeah, that’s a nice shout, Micah.”
Manchester United building team around Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo is already establishing himself as a first team regular at Manchester United in the heart of the team’s midfield.
The 18-year-old is a future international in waiting too, and has risen to every test for the Red Devils so far, coping admirably under pressure.
The young prospect scored his first Premier League goal earlier this month, and is forging a promising partnership with experienced midfielder Casemiro. Manchester United are unbeaten in games they have played together.
Richards’ selection was the right one, there are not any Premier League prospects considered better than Mainoo right now, in any position.
The pundit has talked up Mainoo several times, last year commenting after his composed performance at Anfield, “We have to mention Kobbie Mainoo, though, don’t we? He’s been outstanding.
“He did well against Liverpool. Getting on the ball and just doing the basic things. Nothing too extravagant. Just doing the basics really well, tackling when he needs to, [in] the right position, obviously comfortable on the ball, but he took no risk.”
Mainoo has continued to develop, and Manchester United fans are very excited about the progress he has been making, and the whole football world is sitting up and taking notice.
He is one of a number of young stars United are building around, along with Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund, with several more coming through the ranks.
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