Kobbie Mainoo so impressed by ‘amazing’ 22-year-old Arsenal player

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Kobbie Mainoo has suggested that he now hopes to follow in the footsteps of one Arsenal player, who he feels has been amazing in the last few years.

Kobbie Mainoo is one name many are talking about right now. The 18-year-old has been exceptional for Manchester United this season, with Mainoo most recently receiving plaudits for his performance in the FA Cup win over Liverpool before the international break.

In the days following the win, Mainoo received a promotion from England’s under-21 side to the senior squad ahead of Gareth Southgate’s men’s upcoming friendlies.

Danny Murphy noted that Mainoo will benefit enormously from training with the country’s best. And one of those definitely in the conversation is Arsenal star Bukayo Saka.

Kobbie Mainoo praises Bukayo Saka

Saka has continued to go from strength to strength for the Gunners this season. He has now scored 13 goals and contributed 10 assists in the top-flight.

And speaking to talkSPORT about Saka and Jude Bellingham, Mainoo suggested that he is incredibly excited to follow their path with the national team.

“Yeah, to follow in the footsteps of them, they have been amazing. They have came up and stayed up so quickly. They are both great players,” he said.

Manchester United starlet on a similar path to Arsenal talisman

There are parallels which can be drawn between Mainoo and Saka, in particular.

Saka quickly emerged as a shining light for Arsenal when he got his chance in the Gunners’ first-team. Arsenal were in a completely different place when the 22-year-old got his opportunity.

They were fifth on the day Saka made his Premier League debut. And there were plenty of darker days to come before Mikel Arteta transformed them into title contenders.

Saka has been at the heart of the progress. Clearly, with his talent, he would have always got his chance at some stage. But there is surely no question that Arsenal’s decline gave him the stage to quickly establish himself as a key player.

And it feels as though Mainoo is now in a similar boat. On current form, he is the best central midfielder available to Erik ten Hag, who can also call on Casemiro.

And if United move themselves back up the table, you would not be surprised to see Mainoo play a pivotal role.

It is telling just how often Mainoo already appears to be one of Manchester United’s best players in games.