Ollie Wakins hails “unbelievable” talent Kobbie Mainoo has after training with him

Ollie Watkins has been raving about the “unbelievable” talent that Kobbie Mainoo possesses after training with the Manchester United star for England.

This time last year, the name Kobbie Mainoo is one that many Manchester United fans may have heard as a passing reference with respect to Carrington academy talent, but he was rather unknown to the wider football community.

However, from November 2023 onwards, the world was introduced to Mainoo and his fantastic midfield talent, although some remained sceptical about whether it was the right idea for Erik ten Hag to throw an unproven 18-year-old into the Premier League during such a turbulent season.

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Mainoo, however, shone through. Brilliant performances during the Christmas period cemented his starting place in United’s XI, and across 2024, he continued to impress, scoring in the 2024 FA Cup final and earning a place in England’s 2024 European Championships squad.

Mainoo made his first competitive start for England as they defeated 2-1 Slovakia in the round of 16, playing 86 minutes and starting in midfield. Ollie Watkins, who has been training with Mainoo for the last three weeks in the England camp, has been raving about the now 19-year-old’s immense talent.

“Yeah, very mature. He doesn’t act his age. He’s very mature on and off the pitch. Again, unbelievable English talent,” Watkins told ITV.

“Got the world at his feet. I can’t speak more highly of him. He’s athletic and the composure on the ball, to take the ball and receive it in tight areas as a midfielder.

“It’s, you know, I think that sets you apart, especially for the way we want to play. He is so comfortable on the ball. You can see why he’s so comfortable on the ball.

“You can see why he has been called into the squad because he has done it in his breakout season this year.”

However, Mainoo himself has shown that he recognises that talent can only get you so far and that hard work will set you apart from the rest.

“I think talent gives you a good start, but hard work is what helps you build it to the next level,” Mainoo said in a recent interview.

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