Former Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele has compared Manchester United's young talent Kobbie Mainoo to his former teammate Michael Essien, praising the 19-year-old for his immense potential and significant contributions to Erik ten Hag’s squad.
Mainoo, who climbed the ranks at Manchester United, has impressed this season with three goals in 24 Premier League appearances. He also made a notable impact in the FA Cup, scoring two crucial goals, including one in the final against Manchester City that secured the trophy for the Red Devils, ending a challenging season on a high note.
Overcoming a serious injury, Mainoo emerged as a key player for Manchester United. His standout performances earned him a call-up to the England squad for Euro 2024, underscoring his rapidly advancing career.
Claude Makelele regards Mainoo as a valuable asset with the potential to reach the highest levels of football. He advocates for Mainoo to be a key consideration for England’s starting lineup.
“[To complete England’s midfield], I will go for Rice, Bellingham, and this boy in Manchester [Mainoo]. He is very good, so young, but he demonstrated that he can play. He is young but he has quality. I think he will give some spice in midfield,” Makelele said in an interview with the Daily Mail. "A good dribbler, running, fighting—he can be very good for the national team.”
When asked about comparisons to Clarence Seedorf, Makelele clarified that Mainoo reminds him more of Michael Essien.
“I will say Michael Essien. He needs to learn more from Michael Essien. He is young, you know, and he has a great future in front of him,” Makelele added.
Mainoo's rise has not only caught the eye of fans and pundits but also that of England manager Gareth Southgate, who included the English-born midfielder of Ghanaian descent in the national team setup for the upcoming European Championship.