That's the real problem imo. Even if Southgate somehow picked Mainoo or whoever, it's not like he can create a functional team with them with his brilliant tactics
Is Mainoo the real deal?
- Thread starter Samid
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That's the real problem imo. Even if Southgate somehow picked Mainoo or whoever, it's not like he can create a functional team with them with his brilliant tactics
He just needs a"few extra pounds" (mostly muscles) then he will be "the real deal"!
Waitrose meal deal over tescos
M&S over waitrose
Him and Casemiro being fully fit is like signing a new top level midfield.
Southgate spoke about him briefly yesterday;
Contrary to popular opinion, I don't think he'll be afraid to use Mainoo. If there's a great player who hasn't yet built up his reputation, I think he'll give him chances. No one expected Saka to start every game at the Euros and yet he did. In hindsight, it was the obvious choice but a lot people didn't like it.
I can see the same happening with Mainoo. Doesn't take much to figure out that him, Rice and Bellingham are going to be one of the best midfields in world football.
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I can’t see England not winning the Euros with or without Mainoo. This squad is stacked in talent.
But the manager isnt so talented
That is true but hopefully the talent will shine through regardless.
Southgate will grab defeat from the jaws of victory
Watching Mainoo this half against Villa, he is just so assured when pressured. Happy to one-touch to the open player. Technique and control just outstanding.
He seems to be quick more than high end pace.
Really impressive to watch his movement in support of attack.
This is a crazy comparison because he’s such an amazing player and one of my all time favorites to watch, but Mainoo reminds me of Luka Modric.
He seems to be quick more than high end pace.
Really impressive to watch his movement in support of attack.
This is a crazy comparison because he’s such an amazing player and one of my all time favorites to watch, but Mainoo reminds me of Luka Modric.
That pass to Dalot 
Such a promising player but the game can pass him by a little when he's not on the ball. He's going to be a gem though.
That was generationalThat pass to Dalot
This.
It's a fault of our coaching/set up but hopefully with more experience he can learn how to mitigate this too. That casual left footed ball at the end of the 1st half, where he then got booked to stop the counter is the kind of things he need to cut out and learn.
First half the game seemed to be being played too fast for him. He had some flashes here and there, nice feet for the 2nd goal but was a passenger for most of the game. Hopefully as he develops he starts to learn how to get himself more involved in the game.
Lovely feet for the winner
More experience in the bag.....
Great on the ball, poor off it.
This really does summarise it. Hope he improves his positioning, awareness etc
Yep, I don't think there's anything there that would hinder his development and with the right coaching along with the right attitude, he's got all the ingredients to achieve it all.
On the England side, yeah I can see that maybe causing frustration if it turns out a bit like Slippy G and Frank Lamps or it causes him to question his skills, kind of like a 'death by ambiguity'.
But he's a standout to me at least. I'm glad he plays for us and not against us!
that will come with with age and experience
Agreed. As you say, hopefully this will come with experience. Given how composed he looks when the balls at his feet it's easy to forget how new he is to first team men's footie.
The poor off the ball bit, I am not sure if it is a system thing which EtH should sort out (along with the entire pressing coordination making us very open at times), or just a need for more experience. We have seen McTominay and Mount also become passengers in the 8 role
How close was he to being offside in the build up to the winner? Anyone got a still of it?
Was waiting for a VAR check and relieved when Villa kicked off...
Was waiting for a VAR check and relieved when Villa kicked off...
Not close
Brilliant yesterday, the Real Deal had a massive role in the match winner and belonged on the same pitch with players ten years his senior. An incredible talent Mainoo is who pulled his weight yesterday.
He's good without excelling. Feels like he's biding his time. Nothin wrong with that! Good enough to earn his place and learning his trade. I'm waiting for him to take the next step which will come in time.
I remember seeing Messi take on United in the Rijkaard era. He was really good but not some GOAT. But the jump he made year on year was sensational. That’s what Kobbie needs to do. Make jumps every year. Add arrows to the quiver. Become stronger. Become quicker. Become a better presser. Become a dominant passer.
He’s 18! Amazing really now that he’s cemented his place in the starting XI. By 23, I expect him to be the best midfielder we’ve had in a long time.
Messi aye, we're really managing expectations around here.
I get what you mean, he should be expected to build upon the previous season standards he's set. However, we need to remember that most young players development graphs aren't linear. I won't be suprised if him and Mount split time next year.
Messi was ridiculous as a kid. 19 when he scored that goal against Getafe and scored that legendary 3 goals against Real Madrid.
He was by 19 already the best player on the pitch even against those Madrid legends. In fact when we played Barcelona in 2008 Ronaldo won the ballon d or but we had to put on the best defensive performances arguably in our history so Messi wasn’t running riot.
Well for a guy that was born in 2005 he sure is very mature for his age. Good on the ball and when he made a mistake he stopped their counter and got booked like a seasoned pro while Casemiro and Bruno were whining to the ref.
I think he already has been excelling in parts of the game. Taking the ball out of defence from under pressure, he’s already done at a brilliant level. Add to that a few goal contributions from midfield.
Parts of his game is not at the desired level yet. Awareness and urgency in picking up runs. Holding his ground on defensive corner kicks.
yep. Our renowned world class, experienced backfour were bricking it, along with myself and everyone else imagine, whenever Messi had the ball.
I know what you mean, he's so composed and appears casual with the ball in tight situations, makes it look easy.
The boy has all the touch and confidence to become a top player with growth and experience.
/Remindmein5months
Messi was a freak but he doesn't need to be like that. I still see Cesc when I watch him, the way he just stepped into the first team at 17-18 and plays like he belongs there. He doesn't really need any major development, just refinement and consistency. He's already a very classy and technical player.