Why Mainoo has ‘wow factor’ – and could be one the greats
Sometimes kids come along and you only need one look at them to realize they’ve got it – that special something where you know they belong at the highest level. Kobbie Mainoo is one of those kids. It was back in February, after he had scored his first Premier League goal for Manchester United, that I said he reminded me of legendary Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf.
When I said Kobbie gave me ‘Seedorf vibes’, I wasn’t talking about his ability, I just meant style-wise, in terms of his movement. I spoke to Clarence about him here in Germany the other day and he said he definitely sees it too. The thing about Kobbie, though, is he seems to get better every time you watch him play. As well as his movement, there’s his decision-making and the pace of his passing, plus the way he always seems to be in control and the way he handles everything that is thrown at him despite only being 19.
The best part of his game, though, is that he is prepared to wait. Let me try to explain what I mean. When you’re a young kid, playing at the level Kobbie is, you sometimes try to prove why you are there. I know from my own experience that you feel you always have to show what you can do, and you can end up trying too hard.
Kobbie’s not like that, though. He won’t try to push it and over-play. I’ve watched him closely and the first 30% of passes of the ball he gets in a game, in those opening minutes, he is happy just playing the ball short, five or 10 yards, waiting for the right moment for his natural raw ability to come out. Then, when the moment comes – and he knows exactly when – he can give you that little bit of ‘wow’ factor where he draws someone out, breaks the press or when the opposition think they are going to nick the ball off him. Those times when they have got him down a blind alley but he somehow just comes out the end anyway and you are left going ‘oh my god’.
What he is doing is a part of the game – and I heard Gareth Southgate say this too, by the way – that he makes look very easy, but is actually one of the most difficult things. Ask any midfielder what it is like to receive the ball from your defence with your back to play, not knowing what is behind you and with people pressing you from behind from different angles, but being able to feel where they are and still get out.
- Kobbie Mainoo possesses the ‘wow factor’ due to his exceptional movement, decision-making, and passing pace.
- Despite being only 19, Mainoo impresses with his composure, control, and ability to handle pressure on the field.
- Mainoo stands out for his patience and willingness to wait for the right moment to showcase his natural talent, avoiding the urge to overplay.
- His ability to deliver unexpected moments of brilliance during matches sets him apart and leaves spectators in awe.
- Mainoo’s skill in receiving the ball under pressure and creating opportunities is recognized as a challenging yet effortless aspect of his game.
Choosing the right moment
It’s not just about raw talent, though. It’s about understanding the game, reading the situation, and knowing when to take a risk. Kobbie has that innate ability to sense when the opportunity arises and exploit it. He doesn’t force the issue; he waits for the right moment to unleash his potential. This patience and calculated risk-taking are what separate him from the ordinary and give him that “wow” factor. It’s like he’s playing a game of chess, carefully strategizing each move, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
He has a remarkable sense of timing and composure. He’s not afraid to take risks, but he does so with a calculated intelligence. This blend of confidence and caution is what makes him so effective. When he sees an opening, he strikes with precision and purpose, leaving defenders scrambling in his wake. He doesn’t just react; he anticipates, making him a step ahead of the game. This proactive approach is a testament to his maturity and understanding of the game, qualities that are often lacking in young players.
There’s a certain calmness about him that is almost unnerving. He doesn’t get flustered under pressure. He operates with a quiet confidence that allows him to make the right decisions in the most chaotic situations. This composure is not just on the pitch; it extends to his off-field demeanor as well. He carries himself with an air of self-assurance that is both impressive and refreshing. It’s like he knows he belongs on the big stage and is unfazed by the spotlight. He’s not defined by the pressure of the moment; he embraces it, using it as fuel to propel his game to the next level.
This ability to wait is not just about playing it safe. It’s about knowing when to strike and when to hold back. It’s about understanding that sometimes the best move is not to move at all. He’s a master of the subtle play, the patient build-up, and the calculated risk. He can shift the momentum of a game with a single pass, a well-timed run, or a moment of brilliance that leaves everyone wondering how he did it. This is the hallmark of a truly gifted player, one who can see the game unfolding before it happens.
His ability to wait is a testament to his understanding of the game, his confidence in his abilities, and his composure under pressure. It’s a quality that sets him apart from other young players, and one that will undoubtedly serve him well throughout his career. This is what makes him so special. This is what gives him that “wow” factor. It’s not just about the skills; it’s about the mind, the composure, and the ability to wait for the perfect moment.
Waiting for his chance
It took Gareth a little while to realize Kobbie is the right man to partner Declan Rice in England’s midfield. First he tried Trent Alexander-Arnold at these Euros, then it was Conor Gallagher. But Gareth knows now, and so does everyone else. You cannot leave Kobbie out. I said that straight away after I watched us beat Slovakia in the last 16, which was the first competitive international Kobbie had started.
I thought there was no way Gareth could have watched that game and thought ‘oh, we still need to experiment in midfield’. The kid showed he is the real deal, so that’s it. He has to play. Kobbie’s age and lack of experience is almost irrelevant. He already plays way beyond his years. He knows he belongs at this level and it is like nothing fazes him at all.
On Sunday, he is going to be playing in a European Championship final as a teenager but there is no way the size of the occasion is going to intimidate him. We saw that at the FA Cup final, not just with his man-of-the-match performance but also his celebration, or lack of it, after helping Manchester United beat Manchester City at Wembley. A lot of other players his age would be a bit over-exuberant maybe, but he is just so level-headed and calm.
Part of that is down to his background. I spent a bit of time with his family earlier in the tournament, and after the semi-final win over the Netherlands too. They were enjoying themselves and having a good time, soaking it all up the same way I expect Kobbie is, but without going crazy or getting carried away. They are all really lovely, balanced, grounded, well-rounded people, which is why he is the same and appears to be unaffected by fame.
This composure and maturity are not just a product of his talent; they are a reflection of his upbringing. His family has instilled in him a sense of humility and groundedness, which has helped him to navigate the pressures of success with grace and humility. This is a testament to the importance of family and the role they play in shaping a young person’s character.
What can he do next?
Kobbie is already an incredible player. When this tournament is over, hopefully he will have helped England become champions of Europe. But whether we beat Spain in Sunday’s final or not, I hope he embraces this moment and enjoys it… but then starts thinking ‘what can I add now?’
You get some kids who arrive on the scene and make a huge splash but some of that success is down to them being a surprise. No-one knows who they are, but that only lasts so long when you are on the biggest stage. Kobbie has had an amazing few months, from making his first Premier League start in November, to playing in such huge games for England at this tournament. But this is only the start for him, so how can he enhance his game?
That’s what all the very best players did, including Seedorf himself. He told me he taught himself how to have a left foot because he knew it would make a difference, something that meant he could go both ways and become more of a threat. So can Kobbie open his game up so he can play more passes over 20 yards, so he can pick up the ball from the full-backs and ping them forward like Paul Scholes used to?
Are we going to see him get more shots off next season, or take a few more risks with his passes? I am not saying that these are the things that he has to do, but I want to see him continue to develop. There are elements Kobbie could add that could turn him from being a very good player to being one of the greats – that Seedorf level, basically. That’s what he should be aiming for.
It’s about continuous improvement, a relentless pursuit of excellence. The greats are not content with being good; they strive to be the best. They constantly seek ways to evolve their game, to push their limits, and to reach new heights. It’s this insatiable hunger for improvement that separates the good from the great. Kobbie has the potential to be one of the greats, but it will require dedication, hard work, and a willingness to push himself beyond his comfort zone.
The path to greatness is not always linear; it’s often paved with challenges and setbacks. He might face moments of doubt, times when he feels like he’s not progressing as quickly as he’d like. But it’s during these moments that true character is tested. It’s in the face of adversity that he must dig deep, learn from his mistakes, and emerge stronger than before. The greats are not defined by their triumphs; they are defined by how they overcome their setbacks.
Kobbie has the talent, the potential, and the mental fortitude to achieve greatness. He has the “wow” factor that sets him apart from the rest. But it’s up to him to embrace the journey, to work hard, to stay humble, and to never stop striving for excellence. The future is bright for Kobbie Mainoo. The world is watching. And the only limit to his potential is his own determination.
