Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has reserved ultimate praise for young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, even likening the youngster to football icon Zinedine Zidane.
Mainoo enjoyed a superb season last year. He was one of the few positives for the Red Devils in one of their worst Premier League campaigns ever.
Mainoo became a regular member of Erik ten Hag’s starting XI, with his stellar breakout campaign climaxing with a sensational display at Wembley against Manchester City in the FA Cup final. He was also a key player for England as they reached the final of Euro 2024, where they just fell short in the final against Spain.
Mainoo has often drawn comparisons with other midfielders who were known for their ball-handling capacities. But Scholes has compared him to one of the best midfielders ever.
According to him, “He’s the nearest thing I’ve seen to Zinedine Zidane in taking a ball, receiving the ball, and cruising past people. I heard a young lad holding his own against Casemiro in training, sometimes better than him. But you have to go out and do it. The first time I saw him, I remembered that calmness. The way he received the ball with confidence, I just couldn’t believe such a young player could do that. That calmness didn’t come for me as quick as it did for Kobbie.”
Scholes added, “I’d say it came five or six years into my career. That’s why it amazes me. He’s so relaxed; the game’s so easy for him. It’s almost like poetry in motion. That calmness will be vital throughout his career. It’s [something] just in you.”
Scholes is a legend in England and was one of the mainstays of Alex Feguson’s all-conquering Manchester United side. Any praise from him will only do Mainoo a world of good heading into the new season.
United open their Premier League season on Friday night with a home clash against Fulham.
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