One of the departments on the pitch that at times seem impossible to find great players for is the defensive midfield. The crop of players that included Sergio Busquets, Claude Makelele, Roy Keane, Patrick Viera, Xabi Alonso and more is rapidly disappearing with the changing game. For the traditional managers, this role remains as important now as it was back then but getting the right players to give one the balance needed in a team is still the tough job. If available, clubs will get them as either very expensive options or very experienced players who would just serve for a few years. The insistence on defensive midfielders that can play in attacking roles isn’t helping either. Manchester United have also grappled with this reality and for a while now, the team has suffered when Casemiro is out injured or has a bad day. When the Brazilian is fit, he not only offers defensive cover but also options in attack when the team goes forward. His aerial threat has won United matches and with his recovery from injury it will not be a surprise to see United attract good ratings when the latest football odds are available on Sportytrader right now.
Stand his ground
However, the Brazilian’s recovery should not lead to the stifling of the top talent that Kobbie Mainoo is. At just 18 years, the midfielder has been able to stand his ground against well established players in the Premier League, showing as much promise as was seen with youngsters who went on to have successful years, the likes of Cesc Fabregas. The Manchester United faithful will know how well the club has struggled to curate their own, homegrown defensive midfielder after the exit of Paul Scholes, and it explains why the support for Kobbie has been so vocal. The youngster had another standout performance in midfield as Manchester United drew 2-2 with Tottenham, drawing comparisons to some of the best midfielders to have ever played for United, the likes of Roy Keane. Kobbie’s slick movement in midfield brings memories of a combination of Scholes and Michael Carrick.
Great passer
Kobbie has already shown he is a great passer, in need of just a little polishing and he is adept at disrupting opposition’s play. After breaking out during preseason, his qualities were clearly displayed to the world and only injury slowed him. The promise is there. If he can be able to replicate the game-reading abilities of the two United greats, Carrick and Scholes, then here we have a gem for the next decade or more. Manchester United can now rest easy when the ever-reliable Casemiro becomes unavailable by injury or any other reason. Since making his competitive debut in November, Kobbie has attracted glowing reviews from a number of top pundits and former players. The most recent was Ian Wright. The Arsenal legend described the midfielder as one who ‘can get United playing again’. Born in England but with Ghanaian heritage, it will not be a surprise if the two countries soon start jostling over Kobbie’s allegiance.
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