Harry Maguire was stunned to see Kobbie Mainoo for the first time and makes comparison to Jude Bellingham
While Kobbie Mainoo shocked the Premier League, one of his teammates got a taste of what was to come much sooner.
He manchester united The young man has not only convinced Erik ten Hag in record time, but Gareth Southgate also.
The England coach rewarded the 18-year-old with his first senior call-up and Mainoo could now make his debut in friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
And the way things are going, it is not ruled out that I can reserve a place in Euro 2024 having become a regular starting eleven in his great season.
Last time out, Mainoo impressed by excelling against a much more experienced Liverpool midfield, helping United to a famous 4-3 victory in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Many were impressed by the teenager, but not his teammate. Harry Maguirewho has had his eye on him for a long time.
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“I've been a big fan of Kobbie since he started training with us,” the defender explained.
“I remember talking to Tom Heaton about him and saying, 'I feel like this guy has it all.'
“He can handle the ball brilliantly. He's really strong, powerful and you can see his progression into that number six role, especially for United.
“The 'six' role is a big responsibility and I'm sure the positional part of his game will improve dramatically.”
Mainoo was possibly Man of the Match against Liverpool as a defensive midfielder alongside Scott McTominayand showed great promise against a highly rated midfield trio.
That performance may have inclined Southgate to make the decision, and Maguire believes it is entirely justified, especially considering his mental resemblance to another young star on the team.
“You've seen the amount of skill and talent he has, and he fully deserves his call-up,” the former United captain said. “A role and responsibility of Manchester United's senior players is to bring in players from the academy.
“The club is always based on providing opportunities to young people, many of them train a lot with us, we try to make them feel welcome and we have done that to Kobbie.
“I didn't have any worries about Kobbie. It's amazing that he's only 18, he's so mature. He's a bit like Jude (Bellingham) when he was a kid. He has a mature head on his shoulders.
“I see his ability in training day after day. I congratulated him, he deserves it very much. “He’s been great for us this season.”
But will Mainoo be able to reserve its seat in the plan for Euro 2024?
“I don't see why not,” Maguire added. “To play in an important tournament, it is important to have experience, but young people also arrive and, sometimes, they play without fear and can excel.
“We have many good centre-backs, players who have shown that they can do it in big tournaments.
“He will continue to work hard, I am sure he will, because he is a great boy. And we will see where he goes.”