Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has praised Bukayo Saka after having his England career likened to the Arsenal star.
The 18-year-old wonderkid was this week promoted from England’s U-21s to the senior team with Mainoo being fast-tracked into Gareth Southgate’s squad, something that Saka experienced in his career.
The Three Lions manager has put a big emphasis in recent years on getting talented youngsters into the senior set-up early in order to get potential internationals adjusted around the scene and comfortable with the transition.
Kobbie Mainoo lauds ‘amazing’ Bukayo Saka after England promotion
And speaking to TalkSport, Mainoo was asked how it felt to follow in the familiar footsteps of Saka and Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham, who were both fast-tracked from the U-21s to England’s senior team.
Since breaking onto the international scene, Saka and Bellingham have been two of England’s most important players, with the duo thriving at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and ahead of this summer’s Euros.
And for Mainoo, Saka and Bellingham can be two sources of inspiration ahead of the United star’s own international career, which could be just as exciting as the current established superstars.
Mainoo said: “To follow in the footsteps of them [Bellingham and Saka], they’ve been amazing to come up and stay up, and they’re both great players.”
Manchester United talent can learn a lot from Arsenal star
At 18, Mainoo is very much at the start of his senior career despite the midfielder making Premier League football look easy for Erik Ten Hag’s United.
And for England, Saka can be a real inspiration to Mainoo, with the winger one of the most experienced players in the squad despite being just 22-years-old.
Indeed, Saka’s character has made the winger a popular character in the England camp, and Mainoo can learn a lot from the Arsenal winger if the midfielder is to succeed with the Three Lions.
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