Former France midfielder Claude Makelele believes that Kobbie Mainoo shares similar attributes with Ghanaian legend Michael Essien.
The Manchester United midfielder, who has Ghanaian heritage, has been selected for the England squad for Euro 2024.
Mainoo had an exceptional season with the Red Devils, scoring the decisive goal in the FA Cup final. However, his spot in England’s starting eleven is not assured.
Nonetheless, Makelele thinks that a midfield partnership featuring 19-year-old Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham will be advantageous for the Three Lions.
“To complete England’s midfield, I would go for Rice, Bellingham, and this boy in Manchester [Mainoo]. He is very good, so young, but he has demonstrated that he can play.
He is young but has quality. I think he will add some spice to the midfield,” Makelele said in an interview with the Daily Mail.
The young player is frequently compared to former Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf, but Makelele sees more similarities to Michael Essien in Mainoo.
“I would say Michael Essien. He needs to learn more from Michael Essien. He is young, you know, and he has a great future ahead of him,” he added.