Manchester United have struggled to keep up with the pace in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League this season. The Red Devils also had a lot of injury issues this season, especially in the midfield. Erik ten Hag’s men had to deal with an early injury blow. 18-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo suffered an injury before the start of the season. He showed much promise in the pre-season and was guaranteed a lot of game time.
The academy graduate is back in action and has impressed many with his calmness on the field. Manchester United struggles to keep the ball and often loses possession easily. However, Mainoo has been a different type of player for this under-pressure team and has shown signs of promise. Mainoo has started for the first time in the Premier League and has also made his UEFA Champions League debut. A look at Mainoo’s stats shows how the teenager has impressed everyone with the limited number of appearances.
Protecting the centre-backs
Kobbie Mainoo plays as a defensive midfielder and acts as a protective shield in front of the last line of defence. His touch map in the current season shows that the player is not just sitting in front of the defence, but he is more of a runner and likes to cover a lot of areas on the field. In his first match of the season against Everton, Mainoo was making challenges everywhere and winning the ball for his team.
His defensive territory also indicates the same. The 18-year-old midfielder likes to cover up a lot of areas. Mainoo is not a tall figure and struggles a bit to defend in aerial duels. However, he is a hard tackler on the ground and wins most of his defensive duels. The midfielder has also made eight interceptions for his team in 191 minutes spent on the field.
The above viz shows the defensive duels contested by the player against Everton in his first match of the season. Mainoo gave a lot of headache to the Toffees and won six out of his seven defensive duels. He has won 83% of his defensive duels this season.
Demanding the ball
Kobbie Mainoo is always present to receive the ball and distribute it to his teammates. This youngster makes space for himself and is available every time. Mainoo has attempted 92 passes and has an 89.1% accuracy rate. Most of these passes are directed towards wide players and Mainoo has been excellent in keeping the ball.
These are the early days of this teenage sensation. He has shown positive signs for a struggling Manchester United side. Mainoo will look to make full use of opportunities and deliver more in the upcoming games.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
