People are using Mainoo to question Amorim, claims Paul Parker

Kobbie Mainoo has been playing a bit more attacking minded role lately, and we spoke to Paul Parker who believes the midfielder can benefit from playing that role, however he sees the midfielder playing a more defensive role in the future, while he claims that people are using Mainoo to question Amorim´s system.

At the moment, Kobbie Mainoo is out with an injury, but prior to that he has been criticised, just as Amorim has been criticised for playing him in a more attacking role than what he did when he got his breakthrough last season. 

Furthermore the former Man United star believes Mainoo can use the current break due to his injury as an advantage. 

Mainoo needs the break

Kobbie Mainoo is out injured at this moment in time, but Parker says that the break might come at a very convenient time for the young midfielder. 

“A break could be good for him. There was a lot for him last summer, so much packed in that short time. I said all the time leading up to the Euros that I hope he doesn’t get picked, cause it was just too much. But I’m glad he went and made a difference for England when used. I was so pleased for him. That can never be taken away.”

“Now we need to get it back. There is a difference when you go away for a tournament. I felt it when I went back, there was a difference in your head, in the way you feel and the way that people feel about you because you suddenly feel that you have to give a bit more.”

“He needs that time away to assess things because a few times it’s looked like he’s treading water. So I’m hoping, mentally and everything, he’ll get himself right. The manager will understand that as well and he’ll come back and be better for it. He’ll get back to where he was before.”

People are using Mainoo to question Amorim

Mainoo has been playing a more attacking minded role lately, which has been criticised by the fans, but Parker emphasises that the small position change shouldn’t affect him this much. Furthermore, he believes that this is just an easy excuse for people to question Amorim and his system.

“With him, people are saying, this system doesn’t suit him and this position doesn’t suit him. The right players will always shine through, maybe not as bright as in other formations but they will always shine through. You can’t just suddenly become a bad player because of a change in formation.”

“He’s adjusting to it like everyone else but he’s an easy person to pick out by a lot of people and fans. They’re using him to question the manager because of the way he’s playing but there’s been a lot on Mainoo – too much, too young as they normally say.”

“That’s the problem we have in England. Someone will come through at the age of 17 in August and by December we’ve got all these so-called journalists telling the England manager to pick him. These are the people who believe they know football better than anyone else, the way they write things..”

Mainoo´s future isn´t in the number 10 role

However, Parker believes that Mainoo can contribute in the more attacking role, he still believes his future lay as a bit more defensive midfielder. 

“I think Kobbie´s best position is a bit more defensive, so a regular midfield player.”

“Long term I see him as a central midfielder. No doubt about that. But the most important thing for him right now is to play and it doesn’t matter which position he plays. He needs game under his belt, and whether that´s a more attacking or defensive role doesn´t matter.”

“I believe he has a great future as a central midfielder, and I believe Amorim thinks so as well, so this is just about helping the team and hoping he can  benefit from it in the future.”

Mainoo can benefit from playing out of position

Despite seeing Mainoo´s future a bit further back on the pitch, Parker still believes the young midfielder can benefit from playing his current role. 

“He has been playing a lot more in the number 10 position, behind the striker, and I actually think it makes sense, however I don´t see his future there.”

“I think it can help him mature, and it can actually be good to play a bit out of position, because in the future he will have a better understanding of what the number 10´s would like from him because he has been in that position himself.”

“He is making different runs now, he is having the ball in different situations than usual, and I think it can help him know which type of runs that is necessary for a number 10, and maybe he will be able to link up with the attacking players better in the future.”

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