"Nearest thing I've seen to Zidane" - Scholes makes big claim about Manchester United star, compares him to Real Madrid legend
Paul Scholes has hailed Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo by comparing him to Real Madrid icon Zinedine Zidane. The English midfielder's meteoric rise has set the world alight at Old Trafford.
Mainoo, 19, broke into Erik ten Hag's first team last season and became arguably his most important midfielder. He made 32 appearances across competitions, scoring five goals and providing one assist.
The Red Devils academy product's stellar showings earned him a place in England's squad for Euro 2024. He soon became a regular starter, and many question why Gareth Southgate didn't start him earlier in the tournament.
Scholes came up against many legendary midfield talents during his career, including Zidane. The former Real Madrid playmaker's footballing IQ and ability on the ball wowed fans at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mainoo's ability to carry the ball forward with aplomb is what Scholes feels echoes that of Real Madrid's 'Zizou.' He said (via ESPN):
"He's the nearest thing I've seen to Zidane in taking a ball, receiving the ball, cruising past people."
An example of Mainoo producing a Zidane-esque moment during his short career thus far came against Wolverhampton Wanderers last season. Manchester United were set to be held to a frustrating 3-3 draw until he won possession, weaved his way forward, left two opposition defenders in tatters, and curled a 90+7th minute winner home at Molineaux.
"Sky is the limit" - Real Madrid icon Clarence Seedorf lavished praise on Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo
Clarence Seedorf played with Zidane at Real Madrid for several years, and he's another Los Blancos icon to whom Mainoo has been compared. The nine-cap England international has been dubbed 'the Stockport Seedorf.'
The Dutch great commented on Mainoo and how he reminds him of himself. He told Rio Ferdinand on Vibe with FIVE that he has one trait he didn't have at a young age:
"He reminds me of a young me with his body and movement, but the thing that he has that I never did is his maturity on the ball at such a young age, sky is the limit for him.”
Seedorf was another silky talent who was excellent on the ball and often left defenders chasing shadows with his dribbling abilities. It's massive praise for Mainoo to receive and shows how hotly tipped he is to become a future megastar..
Mainoo will be looking to steal the show for Manchester United when they face Fulham in the Premier League opener (August 16). He will be key for Ten Hag in his sophomore season in the first team.