Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo was generally praised for his performances at Euro 2024 but Graeme Souness was less impressed.
After bursting onto the scene for the Red Devils last season, Kobbie Mainoo forced his way into Gareth Southgate’s England plans.
He was called up to the Three Lions squad for the first time in March and made his debut in a 1-0 defeat to Brazil before earning his first start against Belgium.
After impressing on the international stage and finishing the season strong with Manchester United, he made it into Southgate’s final squad for Euro 2024.
He was initially left out in favour of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold but a slow start to the tournament caused for a re-think in midfield and Mainoo was introduced.
Southgate never looked back and Mainoo started every knockout match in the tournament.
Graeme Souness on Kobbie Mainoo at Euro 2024
Mainoo appeared to fix what was a dysfunctional England midfield when he made his way into the starting lineup, but Souness was far from impressed.
Speaking on the Up Front podcast with Simon Jordan and Troy Deeney, the former Liverpool midfielder said “He doesn’t fully understand the position – I think he wanders.
“He empties the middle of the field too readily. I watched him against Iceland and he was getting thrown to the left and thrown to the right.
“He came on as a substitute when holding onto a 1-0 lead [against Serbia] and the first thing he did was chase down the goalkeeper and try to put him under pressure.
“It’s naivety.”
Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United next season
Despite the critics, Mainoo should return to Manchester full of confidence for next season.
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He is adored by manager Erik ten Hag and will likely be one of the first names on the teamsheet when the Premier League begins.
He is still young and lacking in experience but his composure and technical ability is unprecedented for his age and there is plenty more to come from him next season.
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