Kobbie Mainoo makes fascinating Luka Modric admission ahead of showdown | OneFootball

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has dropped a candid verdict on AC Milan’s Luka Modric, with the pair set to face off.

History beckons

Mainoo will be looking to make history by winning the World Cup with England in North America.

After a tough start to the 2025/26 season in which he found playing time extremely hard to come by under Ruben Amorim, Mainoo’s fortunes significantly improved after Amorim’s dismissal and Michael Carrick’s appointment as his replacement.

One of Carrick’s first decisions was restoring Mainoo to the team. This call paid instant dividends as Mainoo transformed United in the middle of the park. The Carrington started all but one of the 17 games that Carrick took charge of as United finished third and secured Champions League football after a two-year absence.

Mainoo’s brilliant performances earned him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad. He and Marcus Rashford are the only United representatives. Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire were bizarrely overlooked by the German coach.

England are considered one of the favourites to win the World Cup, and they kickstart their quest on Wednesday when they take on Croatia in Arlington, Texas. Should he feature, Mainoo could find himself going head-to-head with a true midfield icon in Modric.

Mainoo spoke to ITV Football and admitted that he sees Modric as a role model. The United youngster also disclosed what aspect of Modric’s game he admires the most and would love to emulate.

Mainoo’s admission

Mainoo told the news outlet, “Luka Modrić? He’s a role model, definitely. He was one of the best players in the world at Real Madrid and the best when he won the Ballon d’Or.”

“It’s crazy to be able to play against him and even at club level, hearing things. Casemiro would say about him, the pedestal that he holds him on.”

The 21-year-old added, “The quality Luka has, him and Kroos, the way they play football, always wanting the ball and understanding each other so well.”

Asked to choose one part of Modric’s game, Mainoo swiftly pointed to his decisiveness in key moments. “His final pass, assists and decisive passes in big games.”

Mainoo further remarked, “Repetition, the repetition to have confidence to try and get on the half turn in dangerous spaces.”

England vs. Croatia kicks off at 9pm.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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