'Generational talent': Juventus wanted Manchester United and England star Kobbie Mainoo to be the 'next Paul Pogba'

Kobbie Mainoo's rapid rise to the top may have surprised some fans, but he has been on the radar of Europe's elite for years.

He is still only 19 but is in England's Euro 2024 squad and is expected to start in the knockout stages.

The Manchester United star marked himself as a future world champion when he was just 11 years old, with Juventus among the clubs interested in 'the next Paul Pogba.'

Mainoo continued his impressive progress by collecting the man of the match trophy in his first start for England in March's 2-2 draw with Belgium.

The teenager, who has made 35 appearances in his first full season with the Red Devils and won the FA Cup, is now capped by the Three Lions on five occasions.

Mainoo was not expected to be a key player in Germany this summer, but he shone after coming on in England's final group game against Slovenia.

His The former coach discovered his potential. from a young age, but the European heavyweights first saw his talent at 11 years old.

Pawel Klama observed Mainoo as Manchester United's number 10 in a Murapol Cup clash against Polish team Akademia Pilkarska Wisly Krakow in 2016.

However, the Polish sports journalist was already aware of the youngster's abilities after his outstanding performances in Warsaw.

UnitedThe U11 team lifted the Legia Cup in 2015, and a young Mainoo won the tournament's Most Valuable Player award.

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And that led Juventus, who finished runners-up to United, to want to poach another midfield maestro from Carrington after having lured Pogba to Turin three years earlier.

In an exclusive interview with talkSPORT.com, Klama recalled: “During the Legia Cup he caught the attention of a lot of people.

“From the tournament observers to the organizers, passing through the staff of other teams, including Juventus, where the coaches themselves asked me if I knew anything else about him.

“They were interested in him, but that's it.

“Most of the teams were impressed by him, by how he plays, by how mature he is at this stage of learning to play football.

“I don't know if there was any interest in the future.”

Klama continued: “What set him apart at that age, at the U11 level, was his self-confidence. He wasn't afraid to play 1v2, or even 1v3.

“He played very well with the ball at his feet and had definitely outstanding technique.

“However, what stood out the most was how he led the team at such a young age, he was, I don't want to call him a leader, but the other kids listened to him. It was obvious he had something.

“He was definitely one of those youngsters who immediately caught the eye and, having been watching the Manchester academy for almost 15 years, he is certainly one of the academy's most generational talents.

“We all know about the Class of '92, but honestly, I had never seen a kid like him then or now.”

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Unlike Pogba, Stockport-born Mainoo remained at United and rose through the club's academy to establish himself in the team.

Former United star turned Nottingham Forest man Antonio Elanga I was among the people to compare From Mainoo to Pogba last year.

However, following his breakthrough in England, the 18-year-old has been compared to one of the best United players to ever wear the Three Lions shirt.

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Klama added to talkSPORT.com: “Now he will be in the spotlight and he will have to deal with it, deal with the pressure, the recognition and the fame.

“I think he will face everything important. Many compare him with Pogba, but in terms of possibilities, self-confidence and character, I prefer to compare him with (David) Beckham.”

Now he is ready for whatever England manager Gareth Southgate has in store for him at Euro 2024.

“Cole (Palmer) and I are ready,” he told ITV. “Ready when necessary, like the rest of the boys are. We train hard and then when we get opportunities we try to impress so we can get going and try to help the team as much as possible.

“I love football and I love playing, anyone on the bench wants to get on the field.”