Former Manchester United defender, Nemanja Vidic has heaped praise on Kobbie Mainoo following his impressive display against Liverpool. The Serbian has compared the youngster to Real Madrid midfielder and 2018 Balon d’Or winner, Luka Modric.
Bruno Fernandes had erased Luis Diaz’s opener, but Mainoo’s incredible finish with just over 20 minutes to play gave United the lead.
The England international scored his first goal at Old Trafford when he turned slightly inside the penalty area and bent a spectacular effort into the top corner.
The teenage star is getting better and better as he continues to shine in what has been a dismal season for United as a whole. Now, he’s started in each of the Reds’ 15 Premier League games.
Mainoo is also a contender to start for England at the European Championship in Germany this summer. After the final whistle, Vidic praised the teenager and said he reminded him of Modric. The United player’s awareness of his surroundings and his ability to be effective with the ball particularly pleased the former United captain.
What Did Vidic Say About Mainoo Performance?
“Mainoo has been fantastic, especially his awareness in these areas,” Vidic told Premier League Productions as claimed by Manchester Evening News. “He reminds me sometimes of Modric.
“He always feels who is behind him. You can see, he took the first touch, straight away moved to the side, then it was a great strike. He’s difficult to defend against.”
See Also: Klopp Turns Focus To Man United Vs Arsenal Following Liverpool Slip-Up
It has become increasingly clear over the past few weeks that Mainoo’s long-term role will be as an ascending, progressive No.8, rather than a No.6, who will sit deep and absorb pressure.
Being next to Vidic, former United striker Wayne Rooney concurred that his forward-thinking style is making it very evident where he is most effective.
COMMENTS