Paul Scholes on Kobbie Mainoo: Manchester United Star Compared to Zinedine Zidane
Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has made a striking comparison, likening young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to none other than Zinedine Zidane, the legendary French footballer.
Scholes, a midfield maestro himself, played during the same golden era as Zidane, sharing the pitch in intense Champions League battles. Interestingly, Zidane once hailed Scholes as his most formidable opponent, highlighting the mutual respect between these two midfield giants.
Both Scholes and Zidane are celebrated as two of the greatest midfielders of their generation, renowned for their playmaking abilities and eye for goal. Scholes’ illustrious career boasts an impressive trophy cabinet, including:
- 13 Premier League titles
- 2 Champions League trophies
This vast experience makes Scholes exceptionally qualified to assess and identify echoes of Zidane’s brilliance in today’s players. Zidane, a Ballon d’Or winner, was famous for his:
- Elegant control in midfield
- Visionary playmaking skills
- Crucial goals, like his iconic Champions League final volley in 2002
In a recent interview with The Guardian in August 2024, Scholes didn’t hesitate to name the modern player who reminds him most of Zidane. His choice? Manchester United’s own rising star, Kobbie Mainoo.
Is Kobbie Mainoo the Next Zidane? Scholes Highlights Key Similarities
Kobbie Mainoo, at just 20 years old, has quickly become a key figure in the Manchester United midfield, often deployed in a defensive role. Interestingly, like Scholes himself, Mainoo began his youth career further forward as a striker, showcasing his versatile skillset.
While briefly experimented with in a different role, Mainoo’s natural talent and composure in midfield are undeniable. Scholes believes Mainoo’s future is firmly rooted in the centre of the park, stating:
“He’s the nearest thing I’ve seen to Zidane, in taking a ball, receiving the ball, cruising past people.”
Scholes elaborated on what impressed him most about the young Mainoo, emphasizing his remarkable calmness and maturity on the ball, even in training against seasoned professionals like Casemiro.
Key qualities Scholes highlighted in Mainoo, reminiscent of Zidane, include:
- Calmness and Composure: Receiving the ball with confidence, even under pressure.
- Effortless Dribbling: “Cruising past people” with ease and grace.
- Natural Talent: Displaying maturity beyond his years, a calmness that took Scholes years to develop.
For Scholes, Mainoo’s effortless style and relaxed demeanor on the pitch evoke “poetry in motion,” a testament to the high regard in which he holds the young player’s potential.
Could Kobbie Mainoo truly follow in the footsteps of Zinedine Zidane? Only time will tell, but with endorsements like this from Paul Scholes, the future certainly looks bright for this Manchester United prodigy.
What do you think? Can Kobbie Mainoo reach the heights of Zinedine Zidane? Share your opinions in the comments below!