Man United dressing room insider revealed same Kobbie Mainoo hallmark that has blown away England

With Kobbie Mainoo it is impossible not to notice the technical gifts first of all, the remarkable ability to run a game from central midfield that is so rare in an 18-year-old. But when senior professionals begin to train with him and spend time around him, it is the character traits that become just as compelling as the technical ones.

The Manchester United midfielder has enjoyed a rapid rise this season and his 25th senior appearance this evening is set to be a first start for his country, five months to the day since he first started a Premier League game. His 15-minute cameo against Brazil on Saturday night and his displays in training have impressed Gareth Southgate.

He's also made a lasting impression on his more senior teammates. He will line up in midfield against Belgium at Wembley with Declan Rice, captain for the night on the occasion of his 50th cap, and the Arsenal midfielder was full of praise for Mainoo when he spoke on the eve of the game.

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“I’ve been asked a lot by my friends, ‘What’s Mainoo like?’ He’s really, really impressive,” Rice said. “He’s so composed. I have come across so many 18-year-olds who are top players but don’t have that full package, just because of who they are as a person, but he is so level-headed.

“That is the first thing I learnt about him. He keeps himself to himself, he’s really quiet if you have a conversation with him. He’s just a really normal kid. I saw his family the other night after the game and you can tell they are a really closely connected, loving family and that bodes well for a player to really go and