15 March 2024 , 08:55
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Erik ten Hag insists you should "never compare players" as he played down comparisons between Kobbie Mainoo and Clarence Seedorf.
Mainoo has burst onto the scene this year and the teenage sensation is now a mainstay in the Manchester United first-team picture. The United midfield has produced some stellar displays and scored a match winner at Wolves as he becomes the latest academy graduate to make an impact at Old Trafford.
His performances have seen him compared to Seedorf - one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. The Dutchman claimed 87 caps for his country and, during a well-travelled trophy-laden career, won the Champions League with three times teams.
Despite Mainoo's classy start to life in the United starting XI, Ten Hag is keen to have the 18-year-old build his own identity whilst taking the best and being influenced by players who've come before him.
He said: "So I think never ever compare players with another player. 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.
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"Of course, he can learn from other players, especially from great players as Clarence Seedorf was. But Kobbie Mainoo is Kobbie Mainoo. He has big potential and I’m quite sure he will have a big career."
Despite Mainoo's stellar season, which began with a breakout performance in a win at Everton back in November, the United star has been overlooked by England boss Gareth Southgate. During his time in charge of the Three Lions he's been more than willing to give youth a chance.
Clarence Seedorf was one of the classiest players of his time (PA)The likes of Jarrad Branthwaite have been included in the latest squad to take on Brazil and Belgium this month. Southgate is well aware of the quality shown by Mainoo, as well as other young Englishman, but claims his lack of appearances were a factor in him being overlooked.
The England boss said: "There are some players with the Under-21s, especially in midfield, who are doing exceptionally well. The likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Harvey Elliott, Rico [Lewis] was with us last time, Archie Gray at Leeds is doing very, very well."
He also added: "I think that he’s doing brilliantly for a young player, and we’re never slow to put a young payer into the seniors, but he’s only had a handful of games and you have to be very careful development-wise in making those decisions at the right time. We think ideally we should allow him that space to develop at his own speed."
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