Former England and Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham has said that Kobbie Mainoo is as vital for England as Rodri is for Spain and Manchester City.
The 58-year-old has been impressed with Mainoo’s understanding of maturity in midfield during England’s Euro 2024 campaign in Germany.
Mainoo has featured in all but one of England’s matches so far and has been somewhat of a standout player for the Three Lions by dictating the midfield despite his age of just 19.
Teddy Sheringham was full of praise for the Manchester United man, speaking to OnlinePoker, he said: “Kobbie Mainoo is so smooth for such a young player,” he said. “You can tell he understands what it takes to play in midfield and the role you need to perform to excel there – like Rodri does for Manchester City.
“He knows how to keep the ball, which is his main objective when he’s on the pitch and very tough to do, particularly in big games.
“So many players get it wrong when playing in midfield trying to find a difficult pass or taking too many touches.” “It’s all about keeping the ball for your team and keeping things ticking over. Mainoo does that beautifully – he’s been brilliant for England.”
How Does the Manchester United youngster compare to Rodri?
Manchester City’s Rodri has a level of importance to Pep Guardiola’s team that is unmatched in the Premier League. With the Spanish midfielder, City have won 74% of their games since 2019 and without the midfielder, they have won just 60%.
Teddy Sheringham’s comparison of Rodri and Mainoo is high praise for the teenager, but if his impact has been this good for England, why can’t it be just as good for Manchester United?
England’s other stand-out Premier League stars
Mainoo hasn’t been the only stand-out this summer for England. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has been excellent despite not yet featuring in the starting XI for Gareth Southgate’s side.
Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi has also broken out as a star for the National team after a brilliant season for Palace. His performances have generated a lot of transfer interest from Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea meaning Oliver Glasner and his staff may not even get a chance to really work with England’s player of the tournament so far.
