Wearing AirPods and possessing a flawless complexion, Kobbie Mainoo exuded a manly aura as she walked off the England team bus.
Alright, we say a dude. Really, he’s only a kid. Mainoo made history on Wednesday night in Dortmund by being the youngest player to represent England in a major event semi-final at the age of 19 years and 82 days.
Not that this extraordinarily talented youngster from Stockport would have been put off by the honor. Nothing works.
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Despite his young age, Mainoo gave a performance that was remarkable on the most important night of his career.
Playing to his own beat, Mainoo set the pace for England with the confidence of a football player who feels he belongs here.
It’s amazing to watch his quick cuts with the ball at his feet.
A couple of touches slipping by. receiving the ball while making a half turn. ball arrows into the feet of the forwards. sky passes. brief passes. extended passes. The boy is proficient in all genres.
intelligence, poise, work ethic, and balance. Mainoo carries everything and more.
He raced thirty yards towards his own goal in the twentieth minute in an attempt to steal the ball away from goalie Jordan Pickford.
He pivoted, surveying the area with his back to the goal, then sent a pinpoint pass out to Kieran Trippier on the left.
After driving fiercely forward for three minutes with the ball stuck to his foot, he sent an inch-perfect pass into Phil Foden’s path.
Shortly after, he was rapidly returning to his own penalty area in order to avert a potentially harmful attack by the Netherlands.
Every move. from a player who is still only a teenager.
Among all of Mainoo’s many admirable qualities, his obvious love for playing forward is the most welcome.
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Yes, he will work hard, just like any other modern center midfielder. However, Mainoo doesn’t back down. Nobody believes in hoarding things just for their own sake.
If there is room ahead, he will make sure you cross it. He will play a forward pass if one is available, even if it means risking losing possession of the ball.
Mainoo plays football exactly the way it should be played.
The most perplexing dilemma that Gareth Southgate had to deal with prior to the competition concerned Declan Rice’s midfield partner.
Trent Alexander-Arnold experiment failed; 45 minutes were spent on Conor Gallagher’s trial.
The solution was right in front of Southgate the entire time, as demonstrated by England’s three wins at Euro 2024, all of which Mainoo began.
Mainoo is calm under pressure and possesses the kind of attitude that has typified Southgate’s leadership. Bravery and courage, but above all, talent in abundance.
With Rice, the young player from Manchester United should be the face of England’s midfield going forward, Southgate or not.
If Southgate leaves, his replacement needs to see Mainoo’s potential and give him the opportunity to develop into an international player. Allow him to get some air.
The national team will benefit for the following ten years if that occurs.
Following Mainoo’s man-of-the-match performance in the FA Cup final victory over fierce rivals Manchester City, Mail Sport posed this query on May 25, 2024.
Wondering if Gareth Southgate would hand this Stockport-born lad with unbelievable talent the keys to his midfield? we asked ourselves after seeing his swaggering performance at Wembley.
The answer is now known to us. Kobbie, keep the keys. You own them all.