Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has made a bold comparison between rising star Kobbie Mainoo and French football icon Zinedine Zidane.
Scholes, who is regarded as one of the best midfielders in Premier League history, believes that Mainoo shares many of the same qualities that made Zidane a world-class player.
Speaking to the Guardian, Scholes praised Mainoo’s ability to control and move with the ball, saying, “He’s the nearest thing I’ve seen to Zidane in taking a ball, receiving the ball, cruising past people.”
This high praise from a player who won 11 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues with Manchester United is a clear indication of the potential Mainoo possesses.
Scholes also revealed that Mainoo has been impressing during training sessions, even holding his own against experienced players like Casemiro. This shows just how much trust the coaching staff and players have in the young midfielder’s talent.
Mainoo’s Breakout Season and Future Prospects
Kobbie Mainoo was a standout player in the Premier League last season, making 33 appearances in all competitions.
The 19-year-old capped off his impressive season by scoring in the FA Cup final, where Manchester United defeated Manchester City 2-1 to win their second major trophy in two seasons.
His performances also earned him a call-up to the England national team, where he played a key role as they reached the final of the 2024 European Championship.
Despite all the praise, Scholes advised Mainoo to stay focused and continue working hard. “The first time I saw him I remember that calmness.
The way he received the ball with confidence; I just couldn’t believe such a young player could do that,” Scholes remarked.
He emphasized that staying grounded and maintaining this level of calmness will be essential for Mainoo’s future success.
Scholes noted that this calmness took him years to develop, making Mainoo’s early maturity even more remarkable.
He described the youngster’s play as “poetry in motion,” and believes that if Mainoo remains disciplined, he has the potential to reach great heights in his career.
Ghanaian Roots and International Prospects
Kobbie Mainoo’s talents are not only being recognized in England, but his Ghanaian heritage also adds to the excitement around his future.
Both of Mainoo’s parents are from Ghana, making him eligible to play for the Black Stars if he chooses to represent the West African nation.
As his career progresses, it will be interesting to see whether Mainoo decides to continue with England or embrace his Ghanaian roots on the international stage.
For now, Manchester United fans will be eager to see how Mainoo continues to develop under the guidance of experienced players and coaches.
With legends like Paul Scholes believing in his potential, the future looks bright for this talented young midfielder.
