Louis Saha predicted that Kobbie Mainoo could be Manchester United’s very own Jude Bellingham.
Bellingham is currently Real Madrid’s standout player as they look to secure another Liga title, and remain in with a chance of progressing to the Champions League semi-final after their first-leg quarter-final tie against Manchester City, with the scores poised at 3-3.
Mainoo has only recently emerged as a first-team regular at Old Trafford, but the 18-year-old impressed again at the weekend with a well-taken goal in their 2-2 draw against Liverpool.
He also appears increasingly likely to go to the Euros in the summer, and speaking to Paddy Power, Saha believes Mainoo can emulate Bellingham’s impact.
He said: “I hope Kobbie Mainoo can be Manchester United’s Jude Bellingham! He’s got the skills and the composure.
“He’s one of those players who has grown quicker than normal and he's showing real maturity at 18, especially considering he’s playing in an unstable squad.
“Manchester United’s form is all over the place and we saw it against Chelsea and against Liverpool. Having a player like Mainoo who can surprise the opposition with his calmness and out of nowhere, he’s able to produce some magic so he has no ceiling.
“When you look at Jude Bellingham, he’s a monster physically. I’m not saying that Kobbie isn’t a beast physically, but in terms of height, speed and technical ability - where he matches him – this is where Bellingham is already ahead. He’s managed to play a lot of games already, in Borussia Dortmund and now in Real Madrid but that’s not the case with Kobbie.
“They have different styles because physically, Jude is a monster - he’s just a freak. Everyone has to look at their own game.
“I remember one player who wasn't graced by God with their physique; he wasn’t tall or quick and technically he was steady but nothing like Marcus Rashford or Cristiano Ronaldo, and that was Paul Scholes. He ran the show and every midfielder in the world would say that he was one of their favourite players.
“It’s not just one or two qualities that Mainoo has, he’s got the full package, but he has to find a way to be a bit more effective in some areas of his game, and not making the same mistakes.
“He’ll definitely be one of Manchester United’s greatest players if he finds the consistency.”
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