After being reintroduced into the starting XI, Mainoo wasted little time in rediscovering his previous level, showing composure and tactical maturity beyond his years.
His performances have prompted widespread praise, particularly from former striker Dimitar Berbatov, who has singled out one standout trait: Mainoo’s instinct to consistently look for forward passes – a quality Berbatov describes as a “striker’s dream”.
This renewed appreciation comes in contrast to the approach of former manager Ruben Amorim, whose reluctance to deploy Mainoo has come under scrutiny.
Amorim had reservations about the midfielder’s ability to move the ball forward quickly, a concern that now appears misplaced given recent displays.
While Mainoo is not known for launching long, direct balls, his style offers a different form of progression. By driving forward with the ball and executing sharp, incisive passes through the lines, he provides an alternative that is proving just as effective as traditional long-ball tactics.
“There is a type of player that you love as a striker,” Berbatov said on the Inside Carrington podcast.
“His first thought is I need to play the ball forward. The first thought of a midfielder like Kobbie Mainoo, he plays more defensively, but his first thought is always to play forward.
“When you’re a striker, if you have someone like this, you’ll always try to be in a good position and ready.”
