Liverpool Manager Arne Slot Praises Kobbie Mainoo’s First Touch but Questions Ruben Amorim’s Tactics
In a surprising statement, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has openly praised Manchester United’s young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, claiming his first touch is one of the best in football history.
However, while Slot admires the 18-year-old’s technical ability, he also expressed concerns over United manager Ruben Amorim’s tactical decisions, questioning whether playing Mainoo out of position could hinder his development.
Slot’s High Praise: “Mainoo Has an Incredible First Touch”
Known for his tactical expertise, Slot didn’t hold back in his admiration for Mainoo’s skill.
> “I’ve worked with top players, but this Manchester United youngster has one of the best first touches I’ve ever seen.”
This is a significant statement from a coach who values technical brilliance.
According to Slot, Mainoo’s ability to control the ball under pressure, think ahead, and transition smoothly between phases of play makes him stand out among his peers.
What Makes Mainoo’s First Touch Special?
✅ **Close Control in Tight Spaces** – Mainoo can receive the ball under pressure and retain possession effortlessly.
✅ **Quick Decision-Making** – His first touch isn’t just about control; it sets up his next move perfectly.
✅ **Press Resistance** – He can evade defenders and escape tight situations, similar to legends like Andrés Iniesta and Luka Modrić.
✅ **Seamless Passing Transitions** – His ability to move the ball quickly helps his team shift from defense to attack efficiently.
Slot’s Concern: Amorim Is Playing Mainoo Out of Position
While Slot is a big admirer of Mainoo’s talent, he believes Amorim’s tactical choices may be limiting the midfielder’s potential.
> “I don’t understand why Ruben is using him in an unnatural role. It’s affecting his confidence and performance.”
How Has Amorim Used Mainoo?
Since taking charge at Manchester United, Ruben Amorim has experimented with different setups, often deploying Mainoo as:
A **box-to-box midfielder (No. 8)**
A **defensive midfielder (No. 6)**
Why Is This a Concern?
1️⃣ **Mainoo Excels as a Deep-Lying Playmaker** – He thrives when dictating play from deep but has been pushed into more advanced roles.
2️⃣ **Not a Natural Defensive Midfielder** – While he is solid defensively, he isn’t a pure ball-winner like Casemiro.
3️⃣ **Lack of Stability Hurts Development** – Constant positional changes could affect his confidence and long-term growth.
Should Amorim Adjust His System for Mainoo?
Slot’s comments raise an important debate: Should Amorim build his midfield around Mainoo’s strengths instead of forcing him into different roles?
The Ideal Setup for Mainoo at Manchester United:
✔ **Pair him with a defensive enforcer** – A strong defensive midfielder alongside him would allow Mainoo to focus on distribution.
✔ **Let him control the game from deep** – His best performances come when he can dictate play from a deeper position.
✔ **Maintain positional consistency** – Moving him between roles too frequently could disrupt his development.
How Does Mainoo’s First Touch Compare to Football Legends?
Slot’s claim that Mainoo has one of the best first touches in history is a bold statement. But how does he compare to some of the greats?
⚽ **Andrés Iniesta** – Master of close control and movement in tight spaces.
⚽ **Luka Modrić** – Press-resistant and elegant in possession.
⚽ **Zinedine Zidane** – A magician with the ball, known for his smooth first touch.
⚽ **Sergio Busquets** – Exceptional composure and ball control under pressure.
While Mainoo is still developing, the fact that he’s being compared to these legends highlights his immense potential.
What’s Next for Mainoo and Manchester United?*
With a new season ahead, Amorim faces a crucial decision:
❓ Will he tweak his tactics to unlock Mainoo’s full potential?
❓ Or will he continue experimenting, risking the young star’s development?
Final Thoughts
Arne Slot’s praise highlights the growing recognition of Mainoo’s talent.
Manchester United must handle his development carefully to avoid limiting his potential.
If used correctly, Mainoo could become one of the best midfielders of his generation.
The football world is watching—Manchester United cannot afford to waste a talent like Kobbie Mainoo.
