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Dutch football legend Clarence Seedorf has given his opinion on comparisons between himself and young Manchester United midfielder Kobbi Mainoo.
Mainoo has been one of the few success stories for United during a troubled 2023/24 season.
The 19-year-old’s breakthrough was a rare source of joy for supporters as he impressed with his incredibly calm and composed displays in the middle of the park.
In no time, Mainoo cemented his place in Erik ten Haag’s plans and made himself almost indispensable in the starting XI.
His excellent performances also saw him make his senior England debut and the Carrington Academy graduate is currently part of Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man squad ahead of Euro 2024. Southgate recently revealed that he and his coaching staff will not hesitate to start Mainoo at the tournament.
After Mainoo’s stunning winner against Wolves at Molineux in February, Rio Ferdinand drew a parallel between the teenager and Seedorf.
Ferdinand said: “I’m not saying he has the same ability, or is still that player, but he gives me Clarence Seedorf vibes. The way he maneuvers in difficult situations and the way he manipulates this ball and sometimes uses his body.”
Former United man West Brown also shared the same sentiment back in March when he told Squawka: “(He’s) very calm and I know there’s a lot of talk about him. But for me, I think he plays like Clarence Seedorf.”
“Even the way he runs, the way he takes the ball, he protects the ball. I played against Clarence a few times and he was absolutely quality, big, strong, did his job perfectly and had the composure to play for a big team, in big games. I would say Clarence Seedorf.”
Seedorf has now opened up about these comparisons and fully welcomed them, but highlighted a key skill where Mainoo surpasses him.
The former Real Madrid and AC Milan star told the Vibe with Five podcast and noted: “He (Mainoo) reminds me of the young me with his body and movement.”
“But what he has that I’ve never had is his maturity on the ball at such a young age.”
“For him, the sky is the limit.”
🗣️ Clarence Seedorf on the quality of Kobbie Mainoo ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/ofl7zJxSkL
— FIVE (@FIVEUK) June 11, 2024
It is the highest accolade for Mainoo from one of the greatest sports to ever play.
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