KOBBIE MAINOO TACTICAL ANALYSIS⭐️⭐️⭐️
A detailed deep dive on the Manchester United wonderkid and why this is his BREAKTHROUGH season
A detailed deep dive on the Manchester United wonderkid and why this is his BREAKTHROUGH season
Mainoo, born in April 2005 has long been touted as a hugely promising talent throughout the Manchester United youth ranks. At 16 years old Mainoo was introduced to the u18 side, then at 16, he made a further step up to the u23 team. He has always been a step above his age group
The midfielder was a vital part of the Manchester United side that won the FA Youth cup, playing in the final at Old Trafford. Mainoo scored twice along the way, driving the team forwards with his ability on the ball but also application and character.
'Mainoo discussed the importance of the Youth Cup, which he won with the U-18s, he vowed to be at Stoke to support his teammates from the terraces. It's understood the 17-year-old was keen to show support for his peers and that he was able to fulfil that promise' - MEN
Travis Binnion said: “With young players, they’re up & down, They get a reality check & struggle to deal with it.”
“The thing with Kobbie is that he comes into the club everyday, applies himself really well. He’s never too high or too low. He’s got an old head on his shoulders.”
“The thing with Kobbie is that he comes into the club everyday, applies himself really well. He’s never too high or too low. He’s got an old head on his shoulders.”
In the following months Mainoo received his rewards for his top performances at youth level. He was awarded with his first professional contract in May 2022 before his first appearance in the senior matchday squad vs Newcastle in October with Ten Hag praising the youngster..
..during the mid season winter world cup break. Ten Hag told MUTV on the player: “For, all of us it is a big game & for him, it is a great opportunity. He did well at the winter camp in Spain, he did very well against Everton in the friendly, so he deserved to play.”
So what is it that makes Mainoo special? Well physically, he is absolutely outstanding. He is already physically developed enough for senior football but that will improve with his growth when he’s slightly older. At 5'9 he is not the tallest but is a presence on the pitch
Technically he is exquisite. A high volume passer who can dictate from deep, a high retention based player who can also play the risky pass to break the lines. Very press resistance, a top dribbler who is very composed when pressed. Light on his feet but also powerful
Mainoo has a very complete range of passing for his age. I think that is what makes him best suited to playing as an 8, dropping into the first phase in build up but also playing in the 2nd/3rd phase. In attacks, sitting a little deeper as a recycler of play, sustaining pressure
In build up, he is comfortable in all areas of the pitch. He can drop into the back 3 as a LCB or the CCB but his best role is as the single pivot. It is here that he can use his excellent positional understanding, passing to move the opponents, breaking their pressing structure
As the 8 in a double pivot he is able to drop in deeper to receive the ball, he uses his body really well to block the path of the ball from his opponent. Teams will press when he receives, dragging bodies towards him. At 17 he has the ability/composure to play through that press
He has the combination of retention/security in the 1st/2nd phase but when he gets into more advanced areas he is a very fine progressor. This is 5 seconds into the game vs Leeds, firing the ball between the lines to Amad, getting a free kick in a dangerous area
His dribbling and overall press resistance is his biggest strength, it's why he is the PERFECT Ten Hag midfielder. He receives here off the CB, putting his body weight to the right, leaning that way, making it clear that's where he wants to go before turning quickly the other way
I have mentioned his long term future is as an 8 in a double pivot, the below clip shows why that is my thoughts. Receives the ball under pressure, lets it roll across the front of his path before rolling the opponent with ease, breaking pressure. Men against boys
He can always find a little gap of space to receive in, one where most players wouldn't want to take the ball. But he is brave in possession even at this high level. He looks up immediately but sees the pass is not on, then wriggles his way out of trouble to retain possession
He is just absolutely incredible at feinting one way to go another. It all stems from his agility but also composure when he has the ball. He is able to turn one way then another but retain complete control of possession. The touch around the opponent is simple but beautiful
This dribbling ability and evasive qualities are incredible in an attacking sense as well. The below looks so simple but his hip movement is so flexible he can turn so quickly, defenders cannot react quickly enough. The timing of when to turn to create the space is perfect
The close control and dribbling is excellent in tight areas in the 1st/2nd phase but also in the final 3rd. He can dribble through low blocks, adding an extra dimension to attacks. Gets a bit of luck with the deflection but his initial work is good to create the opening
I have mentioned throughout how he uses his body to his advantage in attacking and possesion parts of the game but it is the same in his defending. 17 years old here, playing against a championship side. Excellent timing of the tackle, very strong, body between the man and ball
He reads play very well, often scanning high to intercept or aggressively press to win the ball back. It’s why for me he isn’t a 6 long term, likes to roam out of position to get the ball, support attacks, press high. B2B style 8 who can play in all phases to a high level
In my opinion he is the complete 8, the complete 8 for an Erik Ten Hag side. He is impeccable in possession, an incredibly complete passing range. Very press evasive, strong carrier. Good in duels, a fine tackler and reader of the game plus chips in with G/.A all at 18. Wow
The plan for this season should be to get as many minutes as possible. At 18, he doesn’t have to be rushed but he’s ready. He should be playing nearly EVERY cup game as a 6/8. I think he’s ready to start some games in the league as an 8 too, plenty of sub minutes
He will be 3rd choice as the 8. Mount, Eriksen, Mainoo. Two good experiences pros ahead of him to allow him to be bedded in without any pressure. Next season, he will overtake Eriksen into second choice I am certain and still will be just 19. Minutes at both the 6 and 8
End of thread
Thank you so much for reading. I really hope you enjoyed the piece, I loved making it as he’s one of my favourite players currently. Likes/retweets are really appreciated. Please follow for more content as I have lots planned
Thank you🙏
Thank you so much for reading. I really hope you enjoyed the piece, I loved making it as he’s one of my favourite players currently. Likes/retweets are really appreciated. Please follow for more content as I have lots planned
Thank you🙏
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