Paul Scholes claims Kobbie Mainoo is “the nearest thing” he’s seen to football icon Zinedine Zidane | OneFootball

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has heaped the ultimate praise on Kobbie Mainoo, even likening the youngster to football icon Zinedine Zidane.

Mainoo enjoyed a superb 2023/24 season despite United’s struggles. He was one of the few positive during an extremely tumultuous and disappointing term.

In next to no time, Mainoo cemented his place in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI, with his stellar breakout campaign climaxing with a sensational display at Wembley against Manchester City in the FA Cup final. He was also a key player for England as they reached the final of Euro 2024, where they just fell short as they were beaten by Spain.

Mainoo has often drawn comparisons to Dutch great Clarence Seedorf but according to Scholes, the 19-year-old plays more like Zidane.

Scholes told The Guardian, “He’s the nearest thing I’ve seen to [Zinedine] Zidane in taking a ball, receiving the ball, cruising past people.”

“I heard there was a young lad holding his own against Casemiro in training, sometimes better than him. But you have to go out and do it.”

“The first time I saw him I remember that calmness. The way he received the ball with confidence; I just couldn’t believe such a young player could do that.”

“That calmness didn’t come for me as quick as it did for Kobbie.”

Scholes added, “I’d say it came five or six years into my career. That’s why it amazes me. He’s so relaxed, the game’s so easy to him. It’s almost like poetry in motion. That calmness will be vital throughout his career. It’s [something] just in you.”

“The sky’s the limit for this lad if he keeps his head down. And he looks like the type who will stay on an even keel.”

Scholes certainly knows one or two things about what a world-class midfielder looks like and this praise will only do Mainoo a world of good heading into the new season.

United open their Premier League season on Friday with a home clash against Fulham.

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