He long passing is not very good and he struggles with the physicality of the game. Last night, his short passing was a bit too off and he looked a bit slow doing even the simpler things. He just back from an injury into a new system so it's not a big deal. However, he'll have to improve on his passing if he has to become a top player.
37
Season Average Rating
- Appearances
- 13
- Goals
- 0
- Assists
- 0
- Yellow cards
- 5
Genuinely feel he was hiding from the ball yesterday. He seemed to intentionally hide behind Forest players putting them between him and the ball so he couldn't receive it from our defence. There was space to the left and right of him to step into and take the ball and he seemed to intentionally stand right behind the Forest player and I've seen him do it before I'm sure.
Such a shame. Crazy how he could look so good the first half of last season and then fall off so drastically. It's baffling.
Such a shame. Crazy how he could look so good the first half of last season and then fall off so drastically. It's baffling.
Somewhat off subject but he has a slightly recessed/small jaw which often means a narrow airway and difficulty getting enough air into the lungs. I really hope it doesn't impact his ability to become a great player but it is strange that he seems so languid throughout games at such a young age and I can't think of any other reason for it. Unless we are to just assume he's generally unfit or lazy.
Not good yesterday.
Having the usual 2nd season issues that almost all top young players have.
He'll come through it but yeah, he's struggling a bit this season.
Having the usual 2nd season issues that almost all top young players have.
He'll come through it but yeah, he's struggling a bit this season.
Clearly talented… but seemingly has zero athletic ability… you hope that improves with age, but to me it looks more like he just doesn’t possess the innate physical capability, which is just a huge no no for a premier league midfielder these days.
Reminds me of Liverpool era Thiago Alcantara
Reminds me of Liverpool era Thiago Alcantara
Chill with the analysis, he is coming back from an injury and needs a handful of games to get match fit.
He is composed and has consistent technique, more so that Mount and Bruno.
However completely uncreative in his passing, barely a goal threat. He can curl a ball surely, but let's not expect 10+ goals from him.
He needs to improve his penetrative passing, if not he can only become a retentive midfielder for us used tactically but not a starter at all for now.
However completely uncreative in his passing, barely a goal threat. He can curl a ball surely, but let's not expect 10+ goals from him.
He needs to improve his penetrative passing, if not he can only become a retentive midfielder for us used tactically but not a starter at all for now.
He’s just not in form and hasn’t really had a run of games this season. There’s too many opinions on his long term projections being made on his start to the season.
The second season is always the hardest for young stars after having their breakout year.
He played way too much last year and after pretty much no preseason went straight into the starting lineup to start the season. I don’t think it’s a coincidence he’s yet to really find his rhythm this season. Patience is all that’s required.
The second season is always the hardest for young stars after having their breakout year.
He played way too much last year and after pretty much no preseason went straight into the starting lineup to start the season. I don’t think it’s a coincidence he’s yet to really find his rhythm this season. Patience is all that’s required.
Spot on - if all he is going to contribute is safe ball retention, he would need to have very strong defensive attributes also to justify a place in the team, and he those he doesn’t have. Tidy but ultimately a bit harmless, like a slightly more skillful Tom Cleverly
He'll be an integral player for Amorim, his ability to link up in tight space suit Amorim central passing pattern very much. I don't think he's fully fit at the moment. And I think he needs to improve his game overall but I'm sure he'll. He's already good enough to play regularly and he'll only get better with the right attitude and coaching.
He's the type of player you need if you play 60+ possession football.
Some things will improve with signings but some will on the training ground.
This negativity surrounding him at the moment is so painfully and depressingly predictable. Here is a young talent who is one of the best players we have produced from the academy in recent memory. A player who had a meteoric rise under incredibly difficult circumstances, and playing in probably the hardest position on the pitch. And predictably we’ve yo-yoed from “he’s the best midfielder since Modric” to “his game is full of flaws we need to sign someone new”.
Of course, as always, the truth is somewhere in the middle. He’s obviously a massive talent. He’s also obviously just 19 years old and needs plenty of time, patience and development. As a club we should be giving him that. Rotating him in and out of the side, managing his minutes, helping him develop his game, and allowing him the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them. If we don’t do that, we kill another huge talent. Because he is a huge talent. His quality in undeniable. But it’s just unrealistic to expect a 19 year old to have it all figured out and perform to the highest standards, week in, week out, every week; not to mention injuries and the complete change in system.
I was still owing the match thread yesterday, where Kobbie had played just fine - not brilliantly, not poorly, but just fine - and the responses to him were vitriolic and hyperbolic in equal measure. As is usually the case, I had to close the thread, because the lack of perspective and contextual understanding was as alarming as it usually is in the football forum.
The club needs four central midfielders for the starting two roles. Simply due to the volume of games, injuries, and player development. Right now we have Ugarte, Mainoo, Casemiro and Eriksen. You look at that four and realise the massive weight we are placing on a 19 year old to carry us. This summer it is imperative that we refresh, ship out Casemiro and Eriksen and bring in two new players to form that quartet. One, at least, who is ready to start now and be a major contributor, and perhaps one who is in a similar age bracket to Mainoo. Make no mistake, Mainoo is the real deal and he is ready to start, and as we have seen just a few months ago, he’s already able to be one of our best players. But he shouldn’t be in that position where he has to be. It’s not good for his development, and for a club chasing titles, it’s unrealistic to put such emphasis and burden on a player who has about 8 months of consistent first team football.
A player like Ederson, from Atalanta, would be excellent to replace Casemiro. And then I would want us to use advanced data to find a young player for that fourth spot.
In terms of where this team goes, it is clear that the biggest challenge for everyone is how to progress the ball with the new system. Our playing out from the back has been challenging. Once we get the movement and patterns right, then players like Kobbie will be able to shine because they will know where to move to receive the ball, and where to look to progress it. But those changes take time. Luckily we have Ugarte, who is at least already familiar with the system, the coach, and is several years ahead in his development.
Of course, as always, the truth is somewhere in the middle. He’s obviously a massive talent. He’s also obviously just 19 years old and needs plenty of time, patience and development. As a club we should be giving him that. Rotating him in and out of the side, managing his minutes, helping him develop his game, and allowing him the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them. If we don’t do that, we kill another huge talent. Because he is a huge talent. His quality in undeniable. But it’s just unrealistic to expect a 19 year old to have it all figured out and perform to the highest standards, week in, week out, every week; not to mention injuries and the complete change in system.
I was still owing the match thread yesterday, where Kobbie had played just fine - not brilliantly, not poorly, but just fine - and the responses to him were vitriolic and hyperbolic in equal measure. As is usually the case, I had to close the thread, because the lack of perspective and contextual understanding was as alarming as it usually is in the football forum.
The club needs four central midfielders for the starting two roles. Simply due to the volume of games, injuries, and player development. Right now we have Ugarte, Mainoo, Casemiro and Eriksen. You look at that four and realise the massive weight we are placing on a 19 year old to carry us. This summer it is imperative that we refresh, ship out Casemiro and Eriksen and bring in two new players to form that quartet. One, at least, who is ready to start now and be a major contributor, and perhaps one who is in a similar age bracket to Mainoo. Make no mistake, Mainoo is the real deal and he is ready to start, and as we have seen just a few months ago, he’s already able to be one of our best players. But he shouldn’t be in that position where he has to be. It’s not good for his development, and for a club chasing titles, it’s unrealistic to put such emphasis and burden on a player who has about 8 months of consistent first team football.
A player like Ederson, from Atalanta, would be excellent to replace Casemiro. And then I would want us to use advanced data to find a young player for that fourth spot.
In terms of where this team goes, it is clear that the biggest challenge for everyone is how to progress the ball with the new system. Our playing out from the back has been challenging. Once we get the movement and patterns right, then players like Kobbie will be able to shine because they will know where to move to receive the ball, and where to look to progress it. But those changes take time. Luckily we have Ugarte, who is at least already familiar with the system, the coach, and is several years ahead in his development.
60+ possession football also need players that constantly progress the game through their passing (amongst others).
So far, he's not there. Ugarte isn't either, Casemiro and Eriksen do that most out of our midfielders but they have other glaring flaws.
This is the same player we saw dominate the current ballon d'or winner. If you read my post you'll know I said he has a lot to improve on. He's going through a period of learning just like every player. Like I said give him time to learn under Amorim we aren't winning the league this year or next. If rumours are true then the target in house is 2028. Of course we should replace Eriksen with someone who will also compete and it's up to Mainoo to hold his place. But as fans we should stop this thing were we praise a player and compare him to Seedorf and all and now we're saying crucify him because he's no longer the shinny new toy. Same applies to Garnacho.
Dominate the current ballon d'or winner is such a stretch, and has nothing to do with his passing.
His passing has been below average even in his best form, the stats show that it is his weakness.
His progressive passing has been poor since his very debut. He can be a terrific player, but not lauded for his passing.
He needs to play further up, he doesn't have the range of passing or athleticism to be an 8.
It is a worry. Fantastic ball carrying and close control, but he can't play with just that, he needs to improve his passing.
Correct me if I’m wrong but in Amorim system the midfielders are fairly safe in possession, they are mainly box to box ball-winning type which are Mainoo & Ugarte. Look at Hujlmand and Morita.
All the progressive passing is on the center backs really. Of course Mainoo could be more adventurous but I don’t think it’s an issue att all in this system.
Like all the players in our team he has to run more.
All the progressive passing is on the center backs really. Of course Mainoo could be more adventurous but I don’t think it’s an issue att all in this system.
Like all the players in our team he has to run more.
I feel concerned about Mainoo’s mobility & fitness as much as his passing. He seems painfully slow to me and badly fades in games.
I’m obviously not writing him off yet but I do feel he’s been massively overrated so far
I’m obviously not writing him off yet but I do feel he’s been massively overrated so far
Man City 1:2 Man Utd
New
Thought he was very good today after coming on in difficult circumstances. A big step up from recent performances.
Definitely grew into the game! Him and Amad are brilliant (young) players
Him partnered with Ugarte has to be our first choice midfield. Thought his calmness on the ball and nice touches played an important part today.
I'm still not sold on hik there. Maybe need to see him next to Ugarte a bit more but he still seems to get swallowed up in games. I'm still not sure whether he's an 8 or a 10.
Thought he was very good. Liked seeing him attempt to be a bit more expansive going forward. Need more of that in this role
I think we need someone in the position that is calm and comfortable on the ball and he fits the bill. He covers a lot of ground too, even if he's not the quickest but I think Ugarte's tenaciousness puts less pressure on him in that regard.
He’s getting there. Just needs a run of games next to Uguarte
Thought he started off very slowly, but improved as the game went on. Finished well. Huge question marks for me over where he plays exactly and if the spot next to Ugarte really is best for the team. Think we need to see more of the two playing together to make a real assessment of that.
Played well, good to see him getting his sharpness back.
A bit better today but you can tell he's still a step behind on full game speed. He's still building up to it. Needs more games to be back up to game speed but he was more tidy on the ball today.
I thought he did a lot right. Having Ugarte next to him also lets him make a mistake or 2 without it being a catastrophe.
Thought he was alright, still doesn't do enough to get on the ball sometimes and slows down the game too much. He has more progressive passing in him but doesn't use it and he needs to if him and Ugarte are going to be the midfield pair.
I want to see him be braver on the ball, but he's so young that we don't have to rush it. Let him grow at his own pace, for now I'd love him to develop more as a sub
Would be great if he converts in some sort of offensive metronome and be more agressive in his plays. Still very very young so maybe he can become that player that United needs like water
Won the ball well with 5 tackles in 76 mins+stoppages. Ugarte had 4 and 2 interceptions
However he overplayed at times when dribbling and taking touches around the opponents box. Played 1 nice crossfield pass.
Not bad but Ugarte was better of the two
However he overplayed at times when dribbling and taking touches around the opponents box. Played 1 nice crossfield pass.
Not bad but Ugarte was better of the two
Thought he was quite good today
Was worried he might struggle when he came on but I think he played pretty well. Definitely grew into the game.
Slow start but grew into the game. Once he builds that relationship with Ugarte, we'll see better performances. Overall, a solid game from Kobbie.
He's learning, and also right now getting back up to speed, but it was a positive run-out.
The longer passing (diagonal balls etc) that he always had in the youth sides is starting to appear in his senior game finally. It's important, you can't be a midfielder in this side without it.
I don't think he'll ever be strong on stamina. More will come with age but it's just not in his body in my opinion. If he's paired with Ugarte, it doesn't matter - he's actually useful moving less and watching more while Ugarte bashes all over making the tackles.
The faster and better the football around him, also, the better he plays. He looks so dangerous when he makes triangles with Amad and Mazraoui on the right and it's not a coincidence.
The longer passing (diagonal balls etc) that he always had in the youth sides is starting to appear in his senior game finally. It's important, you can't be a midfielder in this side without it.
I don't think he'll ever be strong on stamina. More will come with age but it's just not in his body in my opinion. If he's paired with Ugarte, it doesn't matter - he's actually useful moving less and watching more while Ugarte bashes all over making the tackles.
The faster and better the football around him, also, the better he plays. He looks so dangerous when he makes triangles with Amad and Mazraoui on the right and it's not a coincidence.
He played as a #10 didnt he? Felt like Bruno played deeper.
Yeah definitely bit of a slow start but then ended up having a very good game and looking more like himself as it went on. He's been out for a bit, and it adapting to Amorim. He'll be fine and will form an excellent midfield with Ugarte IMO
If anyone has a clip of that bit of dribbling he did in the City box, I'd love to see it again.