“People laughed at me years ago when i said he will become a world class player, some even called me a mad person”- Chelsea icon John Terry says Man united’s ‘generational talent’ is now proving the haters wrong especially Arsenal and Chelsea fans
Hold on a moment, let’s rewind. Play it again. The surprise announcement that Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford have been left out of the England squad has caused quite a stir. Additionally, the England players are now using a £421 smart ring to enhance their performance at the Euros. There’s also uproar over comments made by Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer on a podcast. Some fans, in their frustration, threw beer cups at Gareth Southgate, though they missed their target. Jude Bellingham is also in hot water for making an “obscene gesture,” a move that led to a fine but no ban. Meanwhile, the nineteen-year-old has been commanding England’s midfield in his first international tournament. Southgate has been vocal in his defense against critics and is particularly angry about tactical “leaks” to the media.
Did you notice it? Need another look? Much like the famous viral video of the moonwalking bear, sometimes we get caught up in distractions and miss something unusual happening right in front of us. This is the case with Kobbie Mainoo, who, in the time it took you to read this, has already made three passes and slipped past defenders to make himself available for a return.
While statistics only tell part of the story, they still reveal significant insights. As the tournament reaches its climax, Mainoo boasts a pass completion rate of 94.4%, ranking him sixth. Only Sasa Lukic of Serbia, Orel Mangala of Belgium, and three defenders surpass him. Behind him are notable players like Rodri (93.2%), Aurélien Tchouaméni (93%), Jorginho (91.2%), Granit Xhaka (90.7%), Toni Kroos (90.4%), and Luka Modric (86%).
It’s important to note that these aren’t merely simple passes made under minimal pressure. Both the numbers and observations confirm that Mainoo often operates in the most congested areas of the field, where margins are tight and space is scarce. Against Switzerland, he frequently received the ball surrounded by red shirts, outmaneuvering bigger opponents and holding his ground. More than half of his touches have been in the middle third of the pitch, with 38% occurring in the attacking third.
To put this into perspective, England has quietly solved a long-standing midfield problem in just two games, an issue that has troubled successive managers since the days of Sven-Göran Eriksson, Bobby Robson, and even Walter Winterbottom. For years, England has struggled to produce midfielders who can efficiently take the ball, maintain possession, and offer control. “We’ve been short of these types of players for seven or eight years, if I’m honest,” Southgate admitted before the tournament. “At times, that has affected the way we play.”
Yet, here he is, just 19 years old. Perhaps there’s a parallel with his immediate impact on Erik ten Hag’s struggling Manchester United this season. A team plagued by midfield weaknesses, Mainoo’s arrival has not only brought calmness but also hope. His ability to advance play and his desire for the ball have been transformative, marking a new, perhaps revolutionary, approach. The key to his success might be the effort to keep it low-key.
Unless you’re paying close attention, Mainoo’s contributions aren’t immediately obvious. He hasn’t scored or assisted. He lacks blistering pace and doesn’t showcase a flashy array of tricks. Indeed, his understated style is the point. For decades, English football has had central midfielders eager to make their presence known, often taking multiple touches when one would suffice, always seeking to do something eye-catching.
In contrast, Mainoo prefers to stay in the background. There are, of course, moments of flair: a powerful long shot, a skillful spin and run that bypassed two Swiss players, allowing him to carry the ball 45 yards upfield. However, the essence of his game lies in combination play. He focuses on bringing others into the game, drawing defenders to create space for teammates.
In summary, while the football world is abuzz with high-profile controversies and the unpredictable turns of the Euros, a quiet revolution is taking place in the heart of England’s midfield. Kobbie Mainoo, with his efficient and unassuming style, might just be the answer to England’s long-standing midfield woes.
