For me the Mainoo we have right now is a ball winner who will go past players if they try to press him and keep the ball moving. He isn't the creative midfielder. He is so calm and composed when he takes the ball those creative passes that really hurt the opposition arent even on his mind. He doesnt play the long passes to set our moves going and our attackers on counter attacks. So I think for now he's best used in a 2 DM system like the one we use where he has a partner who is also a ball winning DM but one who wants to spring us forward quickly and is always looking for that dangerous pass to connect with our attacking players.
The only player we have like that is Casemiro. But that is also what I'd look for in the transfer market. I do think Onana has this, he wants to get on the ball, asks for it, tells teammates where to pass it and he tries to make a difference and progress with his passing. Luiz at Villa is another one. I dont think Joao Gomes from Wolves who we have recently been linked with is it. Doesnt do enough with the ball