BREAKING NEWS: “He’s wasting his time at Arsenal.” Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United’s wonderkid, believes he deserves to win trophies with a bigger club like Manchester United. He also professes a wish to play alongside one Arsenal player at Old Trafford someday.

In a recent Euro 2024 interview, Manchester United’s emerging talent Kobbie Mainoo showered accolades on Arsenal’s midfielder, Declan Rice.

Mainoo, who has been making waves for England, praised Rice’s remarkable performances, emphasizing that he has fully justified his hefty £105 million price tag by showcasing his quality in both the Premier League and on the international stage.

Having played alongside Rice for England, Mainoo expressed deep admiration for Rice’s defensive skills. He highlighted how Rice’s solid defensive work allows him to advance and attack with greater confidence.

Mainoo noted that Rice’s presence on the field provides reliable coverage, which frees him from defensive duties and lets him focus on his offensive contributions.

Rice’s debut season at Arsenal has been nothing short of stellar. He has netted 17 goals, maintained an impressive 91% pass completion rate, and averaged 2.2 tackles, four duels won, and five recoveries per game. These outstanding statistics underline his significant impact on the team.

His exceptional performances earned him a second-place finish in the Player of the Season voting, just behind Martin Odegaard.

Mainoo’s commendation of Rice underscores the midfielder’s value and pivotal role for both Arsenal and the England national team.

His comments shed light on how Rice’s defensive reliability has been instrumental in allowing his teammates to shine. This was particularly evident in England’s recent match against Serbia, where Rice’s partnership with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield was crucial.

However, Alexander-Arnold struggled and lost possession frequently, prompting a substitution for Conor Gallagher shortly after the hour mark. This change suggests that England is seeking a more balanced midfield partnership to enhance their overall performance.

Overall, Mainoo’s words are a testament to Declan Rice’s impressive contributions and the substantial impact he has had on the teams he plays for. Rice’s ability to anchor the midfield defensively while also contributing offensively has been a key factor in his recognition and success.