France Legend Compares Kobbie Mainoo to Michael Essien, Advises Man United Star Ahead of Euro 2024

• Claude Makelele has praised the qualities of England and Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo ahead of the Euros
• The teen sensation has been compared to former Chelsea and Ghana midfielder Michael Essien following his display last season
• Mainoo is expected to play a huge role in England's campaign at the upcoming European championship in Germany

Former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder, Claude Makelele believes Manchester United midfielder youngster, Kobbie Mainoo, has the potential of becoming one of the best in the world.

The France legend sees a lot of similarities between the English-born Ghanaian and former Chelsea teammate Michael Essien.

Makelele expects England manager Gareth Southgate to start the 19-year-old alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in the starting line-up of the Three Lions at Euro 2024.

All you need to know about Viv Anderson: Was he the first black footballer to represent England?

Football

“[To complete England’s midfield], I will go for Rice, Bellingham, and this boy in Manchester [Mainoo]. He is very good, so young, but he demonstrated that he can play. He is young but he has quality. I think he will give some spice in midfield,” Makelele said in an interview with the Daily Mail, as quoted by 3 Sports.

Mainoo, affectionately known as Stratford Seedorf, has been compared with the Dutch legend but Makelele sees more of Essien in the teen sensation.

“I will say Michael Essien. He needs to learn more from Michael Essien. He is young, you know, and he has a great future in front of him,” he added.

The United Academy product enjoyed an outstanding campaign in the just-ended season, scoring the winner in the FA Cup final as Manchester United defeated Manchester City, as reported by the BBC.

Thomas Partey Named Ghana Captain After Andre Ayew and Richard Ofori's Exclusion from Black Stars

Football

His inclusion in the England squad for Euro 2024 also end Ghana's chances of convincing him to play for the Black Stars.

Mainoo celebrates FA Cup triumph with mother

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Manchester United midfielder, Kobbie Moainoo shared the moment with his mother after scoring the winner in the FA Cup victory over Manchester City.

The 19-year-old English midfielder scored the winner in the 39th minute after smashing home from an exquisite Bruno Fernandes assist.

The Red Devils, who finished the campaign in eighth place, will now compete in next year's Europa League following the triumph.