'Kobbie Mainoo reminds me of myself' - Clarence Seedorf

Cameron Smith

11 Jun 2024 19:15 BST
3 min read

Kobbie Mainoo, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

AC Milan and Netherlands legend Clarence Seedorf has admitted that Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo reminds him of his younger self.

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Seedorf, now 48, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation and his trophy cabinet consists of 20 major trophies, including four Champions League titles.

Since his breakthrough into the Man Utd team, Mainoo has constantly been compared to the former Milan midfielder, with ex-Red Devils defender Wes Brown admitting the pair’s similarities to Squawka back in March.

Now, Seedorf himself has revealed his thoughts on the matter.

Speaking to Rio Ferdinand’s FIVE UK Podcast, the Dutchman admitted: “He (Mainoo) reminds me of a young me with his body and movement, but the thing that he has that I never did is his maturity on the ball at such a young age.

“The sky is the limit for him.”

What has Erik ten Hag said?

Although Seedorf has now added fuel to fire by comparing Mainoo to himself, Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag has previously been keen to temper expectations regarding the Red Devils’ latest emerging talent.

“So I think never ever compare players with another player,” the Dutchman said in March. “Never. Because Kobbie Mainoo, but also other players, they build their own identity.

“Don't compare [him] with anyone. His skillset, that is so typical. And it's Kobbie Mainoo, it's nothing to do with other players.

“Of course, he can learn from other players, especially from great players as Clarence Seedorf was. But Kobbie Mainoo is Kobbie Mainoo. He has big potential and I'm quite sure he will have a big career.”

Mainoo echoed this sentiment in May during an interview with BBC Sport. “It's great to be compared to a legend like Seedorf but at the end of the day I'm just Kobbie,” he replied when asked about the similarities between himself and the Dutchman.