Rio Ferdinand has become the next pundit to heap praise on Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo’s performance against Everton.
Kobbie Mainoo, 18, was given his chance in the team by Erik ten Hag after being out of the matchday squad for three months due to an injury he suffered against Real Madrid during pre-season.
The teenager was exceptional against a physically imposing Everton midfield and was perhaps a tad unfortunate to not walk away with the Man of the Match award but the brilliance of Alejandro Garnacho’s overhead kick saw him claim it.
Mainoo, however, looked to be everything the Red Devils had been missing from their midfielders this season.
Ferdinand on Mainoo
Speaking on his YouTube channel FIVE, Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for the midfielder and made a tentative comparison between Mainoo and former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona star Cesc Fabregas.
“The way he was dropping in between the centre-backs, not even getting it and bopping it one or two touch, he was getting it, taking touches, drifting by people or away from people, away from the challenge and the press, and then releasing it,” Ferdinand said.
“That’s what these centre-backs and goalkeeper have been waiting for – someone who can alleviate that pressure and beat that press.
“I thought about it the other day, 18-year-olds coming into the first team in the Premier League who gave performances like that… [Cesc] Fabregas? I’m not saying he [Mainoo] is as good as these guys, there have been more explosive but I’m talking about composure. This was a crazy performance.”
Fabregas went on to win the World Cup with Spain in 2010, making 110 appearances for his country.
Mainoo’s potential
As Ferdinand mentioned, the Red Devils have not had a midfielder this season who can keep the ball under pressure and spray passes from deep which allows the team to push on and thrive.
Mainoo offers that in abundance, however, and United looked much more assured in possession every time the teenager picked the ball up from the back four.
Ten Hag has been crying out for a player like this since he joined the club with Frenkie de Jong being his main target in the team but it now looks like Mainoo could be the de Jong player he has been looking for.
Mainoo has to start these next two crucial games against Galatasaray and Newcastle United, he could be key for the Red Devils.
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