A rising star: Kobbie Mainoo’s exceptional talent

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By Martin Graham | 13th Jul 2024
From the moment you see certain kids play, it’s clear they have that unique quality to thrive at the top level. Kobbie Mainoo is undoubtedly one of those prodigies.

In February, after Kobbie scored his debut Premier League goal for Manchester United, he reminded of the legendary Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf. His movement, decision-making, passing speed, composure, and resilience at just 19 are remarkable.

However, what truly stands out about Kobbie is his patience. Let me explain.

Mastering patience and timing
Young players at Kobbie’s level often feel the need to constantly prove themselves, sometimes leading to overexertion. But Kobbie is different. He doesn’t force plays or overextend himself.

Observing him closely, you’ll notice that in the initial minutes of a game, he’s content with short, safe passes, gauging the right moment to unleash his natural talent. When the right opportunity presents itself, he executes with a ‘wow’ factor, effortlessly breaking the press or navigating tricky situations, leaving spectators in awe.

This aspect of his game, something Gareth Southgate also noted, is one of the toughest skills to master. Receiving the ball from defense with your back to the play, under pressure, and still maneuvering out of tight spots is a challenge any midfielder can attest to.

The right partner for England’s midfield
Initially, Southgate experimented with different partners for Declan Rice, including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher, but it became clear that Kobbie was the perfect fit. His performance against Slovakia in the last 16 of the Euros proved his worth, showcasing that he is indeed the real deal.

Despite his youth and inexperience, Kobbie plays with a maturity that belies his age. His composure and assurance on the field indicate he belongs at this level, unfazed by the magnitude of any occasion.

As he prepares for the European Championship final as a teenager, his calm demeanor, evident from his man-of-the-match performance in the FA Cup final, assures that the pressure won’t affect him. His understated celebration after Manchester United’s victory over Manchester City at Wembley is a testament to his level-headed nature.

A balanced upbringing and a promising future
Part of Kobbie’s grounded nature stems from his background. Spending time with his family during the tournament revealed that they are equally composed and well-balanced. Their support undoubtedly contributes to Kobbie’s unaffected attitude towards fame.

Regardless of the outcome in Sunday’s final against Spain, this tournament marks the beginning of Kobbie’s journey. It’s crucial for him to enjoy this moment but also to ponder, ‘what next?’

Some young players burst onto the scene as surprises, but sustaining success at the highest level requires continuous improvement. Kobbie has had an incredible few months, making his Premier League debut in November and playing crucial games for England. But this is just the start.

To elevate from being a great player to an exceptional one, like Seedorf, Kobbie must enhance his game. Seedorf himself developed his left foot to become more versatile. Kobbie could similarly expand his game by making longer passes, taking more shots, or taking calculated risks with his passes.

These are not mandates but suggestions for his growth. The goal is for Kobbie to continue evolving, potentially reaching that Seedorf level. That’s the trajectory he should aim for.

Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer