Kobbie Mainoo stats show Man United wonderkid can become a clutch England player at Euro 2024
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is enjoying a remarkable rise.
The 18-year-old opened his Old Trafford account in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool, to add to an impressive list of achievements in his first full campaign.
Having already nailed down a spot in the Red Devils’ starting XI and featured twice for England, the next target for Mainoo will be securing a place on the plane to Euro 2024.
We consider the impact he could have on the England squad — and reflect on a season to remember for the teenage prodigy.
Defensive acumen
Mainoo featured at the base of midfield alongside Declan Rice during his first start for England last month.
It was a front-footed display from the Stockport native against Belgium, but the role will require a degree of defensive discipline at the European Championship — to balance out Rice’s marauding runs forward.
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Fortunately, Mainoo is adept at regaining possession, having made a commendable 2.24 tackles and 1.18 interceptions per 90 minutes for Manchester United in the Premier League this term.
He has also won the ball back a solid 2.43 times per 90 in the middle third of the pitch, suggesting he has the defensive skill set required to compliment the Arsenal star.
Incisive passing
Arguably Mainoo’s greatest strength is his ability on the ball — and the midfielder’s incisive passing could help maximise England’s attacking talents at Euro 2024.
He often looks to pick the lock when in possession, with an average of 0.39 through-balls attempted per 90 minutes of top-flight action.
Only team-mate Bruno Fernandes (0.77) can better that number among Manchester United players, which will have England’s forwards salivating at the prospect of Mainoo potentially supplying them this summer.
Clutch moments
Though not primarily in the team to score goals, Mainoo’s ability to deliver at crucial moments has been a notable feature of his 2023/24 campaign.
United’s No.37 scored his first Premier League goal in stoppage time during February’s last-gasp 4-3 win over Wolves, while Saturday’s strike helped secure a valuable point against rivals Liverpool.
That ability to find the net should not be surprising, though, when you consider that his 57.14% shooting accuracy puts him inside the Premier League’s top 15 players — despite all his seven attempts having a total xG of just 0.29.
With goalscoring potential and a remarkable all-round ability for a player so young, it would seem wise for Gareth Southgate to include Mainoo in his England squad for Euro 2024.
