How 'laid-back' Mainoo can cope with the big moments

Image source, Getty Images

  • Author, Simon Stone
  • Role, Chief football news reporter

England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo's mindset could turn out to be one of his major assets on the path to stardom, according to Manchester United's head of academy.

Nick Cox has seen Mainoo's progression from schoolboy ranks to the brink of becoming the Three Lions' youngest major tournament winner.

And he marvels at how unaffected the 19-year-old is by the attention being heaped on him.

"Kobbie has many qualities but I would suggest his character is one of his super-strengths," said Cox.

"In my time working with footballers, character is the non-negotiable ingredient that ties together all the top players.

"Nothing tends to faze him too much. But alongside being laid back and low maintenance, and definitely humble and really grounded, he also has a real self-belief. It is not an arrogance but a real determination to be the best.

"That is not to say he doesn't feel nerves or these occasions don't impact upon him, but he has the ability to cope with big moments that come his way.

"This season alone he has ticked off landmarks that usually take young players five or six seasons."