8 months ago
164 Jurgen Klopp certainly seemed impressed with what he saw from Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo against Liverpool today.
With Casemiro unavailable this afternoon, Erik ten Hag decided to play Scott McTominay alongside his young midfield maestro.
And although Mainoo shone in his 80 minutes before being replaced by Christian Eriksen, it was clear that the balance wasn’t quite right.
United looked dangerous in attack with McTominay perfectly timing his runs, as he always seems to do these days.
But there ultimately wasn’t enough protection in front of the back four heading the other way, and a below-par Liverpool team in the first half were still able go ahead.
That being said, Kobbie Mainoo certainly still showed the whole array of his talent, which clearly caught the eye of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
Lee Dixon was watching the game for ITV Sport and noticed a moment between the pair when Mainoo was taking off the pitch.
Dixon spotted that Klopp went out of his way to give Mainoo a high five, perhaps recognising his rich potential.
Jurgen Klopp gave Kobbie Mainoo a high five when he was subbed today
Dixon was amazed by Mainoo’s performance himself, and spoke about his bright future before sharing that Klopp moment.
He said: “He’s going to be a superstar that boy. He’s getting a high five from Jurgen Klopp, that says it all.”
Although Mainoo showed his usual flair on the ball today, it was his defensive work that really impressed.
As well as playing a key pass and completing four successful dribbles, Mainoo provided an all around showing.
Via Sofascore Mainoo also won seven duels and made two tackles and interceptions.
The 18-year-old is clearly a huge talent, and whilst some may be disappointed that he’s not in the England squad right now, it seems a sensible call by Gareth Southgate.
As Jurgen Klopp will probably recognise himself, Mainoo needs time to go through the processes and play through the national team youth categories first.
We’ve all seen in the past what can happen when players are pushed forwards too much all at one.
All that being said, Alejandro Garnacho was left extremely frustrated with a different United teammate today.
The post 'That says it all': What Jurgen Klopp did when Erik ten Hag subbed off Kobbie Mainoo today appeared first on TBR Football.
