Micah Richards believes Kobbie Mainoo can become a ‘real star’ for club and country, but the former Man City defender ‘hopes’ the 18-year-old doesn’t fail to fulfil his potential like many talents before him.
This is an example of how certain pundits overlook the damage of hype and it’s why I was wary of the reaction to Mainoo becoming a senior international at England. For instance, Mainoo hadn’t kicked a ball for England when pundits began calling for him to be included in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad this summer.
Mainoo made his England debut on Saturday in the 1-0 defeat to five-time world champions Brazil at Wembley. It should be seen as a reward after his incredible breakthrough season, making 23 appearances in all competitions.
The Manchester United starlet replaced Conor Gallagher in the 75th minute.
Assessing Mainoo’s England debut, Richards said on the Rest is Football podcast: “He’s class, isn’t he? We’ve talked him up so much.
“I just hope he can do it consistently and we don’t have one of those talents where we hype them up and basically, for whatever reason, maybe injury or whatever [they fall away], because I think we have got something special there.
“Normally, when a young player comes on we talk about their speed or strength but with him it’s more his game management and how intelligent he is. That’s what impresses me. If he can keep it going we have got a real star.”
Alan Shearer, who joined Richards on the podcast, added: “He looked really comfortable and his attitude was great.
“He wasn’t fazed at all, he just wanted to show people how good he is and he was impressive.”
Mainoo could earn a second cap for England when they take on Belgium in another friendly on Tuesday night.
The Three Lions will be without Harry Maguire due to injury, which means there may be just two United players involved with Marcus Rashford still away with the squad.
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