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Aston Villa talisman Ollie Watkins has waxed lyrical about Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo after training with him in the England camp.
Mainoo was one of the few success stories for United during an extremely tumultuous and underwhelming 2023/24 season.
Since he broke into the team in November after making his return from a long-term injury, Mainoo never looked back and only went on ahead to cement his place in Erik ten Hag’s set-up.
In next to no time, the teenager made himself almost an undisputed starter. A senior call-up to the England national team followed for the impressive youngster, who was finally included in Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man squad for Euro 2024.
The Carrington academy graduate started for the Three Lions in Sunday night’s dramatic Euro 2024 last-16 victory against Slovakia and unsurprisingly, was the standout performer in the middle of the park.
Mainoo featured for 84 minutes as England came from behind to beat Slovakia and advance to the quarter-final of the competition, where they will be facing Switzerland.
Watkins, who has been training with Mainoo for the last three weeks, spoke to ITV and raved about the 19-year-old’s incredible abilities, especially on the ball.
The Villa striker said, “Yeah, very mature. He doesn’t act his age. He’s very mature on and off the pitch. Again, unbelievable English talent.”
“Got the world at his feet. I can’t speak more highly of him. He’s athletic and the composure on the ball, to take the ball and receive it in tight areas as a midfielder.”
“It’s, you know, I think that sets you apart, especially for the way we want to play. He is so comfortable on the ball. You can see why he’s so comfortable on the ball.”
Watkins added about Mainoo, “You can see why he has been called into the squad because he has done it in his breakout season this year.”
“An unbelievable English talent!” 🙌
Ollie Watkins 🤝 Kobbie Mainoo 🏴@GabrielClarke05 👤 pic.twitter.com/PaDyMURGRs
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 30, 2024
Mainoo will certainly be hoping that Southgate hands him yet another start this Saturday vs. Switzerland.
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