Manchester United’s young prodigy, Kobbie Mainoo, has lavished praise on Arsenal’s midfielder, Declan Rice, in a recent Euro 2024 interview.
Mainoo, who has been impressive for England, credited Rice for his outstanding performances, stating that he has justified his £105 million price tag and proven his quality in both the Premier League and international football.
Mainoo, who has played alongside Rice for England, expressed his admiration for the midfielder’s defensive prowess, which allows him the freedom to move forward and attack with confidence.
He acknowledged that Rice’s presence provides solid cover, enabling him to focus on his attacking game without worrying about defensive responsibilities.
Rice’s impressive debut season at Arsenal saw him contribute 17 goals, maintain an impressive 91% pass completion rate, and average 2.2 tackles, four duels won, and five recoveries per game.
His performances earned him a second-place finish in the Player of the Season voting, behind Martin Odegaard.
Mainoo’s praise for Rice is a testament to the midfielder’s quality and importance to both Arsenal and England.
The young Manchester United player’s comments highlight the impact Rice has had on the team, providing a defensive solidity that allows others to flourish.
In England’s recent match against Serbia, Rice was paired with Trent Alexander-Arnold, who struggled in midfield and lost possession frequently.
The substitution of Alexander-Arnold with Conor Gallagher shortly after the hour mark suggests that England may be looking to strengthen their midfield with a more balanced partnership.
