Micah Richards has high hopes for Kobbie Mainoo (Pictures: Getty/YouTube)
Micah Richards believes Kobbie Mainoo can become a ‘real star’ for club and country and ‘just hopes’ the Manchester United midfielder doesn’t fail to fulfil his potential like many generational talents before him.
Mainoo, who turns 19 next month, made his England debut on Saturday in the 1-0 defeat to Brazil at Wembley.
The teenage sensation initially missed out on a place in England’s squad for the Brazil and Belgium games but was later drafted in by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
Mainoo replaced Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher in the 75th minute and largely impressed despite Brazil going on to score a late winner through fellow teenager Endrick.
Assessing Mainoo’s England debut, former Manchester City defender Richards said on the Rest is Football podcast: ‘He’s class, isn’t he? We’ve talked him up so much.
‘I just hope he can do it consistently and we don’t have one of those talents where we hype them up and basically, for whatever reason, maybe injury or whatever [they fall away], because I think we have got something special there.
‘Normally, when a young player comes on we talk about their speed or strength but with him it’s more his game management and how intelligent he is. That’s what impresses me. If he can keep it going we have got a real star.’
Manchester United midfielder Mainoo in action for England (Picture: Getty)
Mainoo has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Manchester United, making 23 appearances in all competitions and earning rave reviews from pundits and his manager Erik ten Hag.
Premier League legend and England hero Alan Shearer was also impressed by Mainoo’s cameo against Brazil, telling the podcast: ‘He looked really comfortable and his attitude was great.
‘He wasn’t fazed at all, he just wanted to show people how good he is and he was impressive.’
Mainoo could get more minutes for England when the Three Lions play Belgium in another friendly on Tuesday night.
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Gareth Southgate will lead England at this summer’s European Championships as the Three Lions bid to win their first major trophy since 1966.
After the international break, Mainoo will return to Old Trafford and look to help Manchester United end a difficult season on a high.
While they are out of the title race and Europe, United can still qualify for the Champions League with a top-four finish and lift the FA Cup ahead of a semi-final against Coventry City.
Mainoo’s club manager Ten Hag recently discussed the teenager’s potential and backed him to have a ‘big career’.
Erik ten Hag rates the teenager highly (Picture: Getty)
‘So I think never ever compare players with another player,’ the Dutchman said. ‘Never. Because Kobbie Mainoo, but also other players, they build their own identity.
‘Don’t compare with anyone. His skillset, that is so typical. And it’s so Kobbie Mainoo, it’s nothing to do with other players.
‘Of course, he can learn from other players, but Kobbie Mainoo is Kobbie Mainoo. He has big potential and I’m quite sure he will have a big career.’
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