Thierry Henry, Kate Abdo and Micah Richards have picked their best under-20 player in the Premier League, with the former Manchester City star making a surprise selection.
Fresh off the back of a thrilling Super Bowl that saw Kansas City Chiefs claim an overtime win against San Francisco 49ers, the trio were asked to name the rising star they would pick out from England’s top flight if football adopted an NFL-style draft.
The question created plenty of food for thought, with Richards initially keen to pick Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham before he was reminded that it had to be a Premier League player. Finally, he made his choice.
Kobbie Mainoo has made a stunning start to his United career after breaking into the team shortly before Christmas. He scored a stunning solo goal in the 97th minute to secure a dramatic 4-3 win for the Red Devils against Wolves earlier this month, and has been compared to iconic central midfield duo Paul Scholes and Clarence Seedorf.
Micah Richards was put on the spot to pick the Premier League wonderkid he’d pick first in an NFL-style draft
He chose Man United’s Kobbie Mainoo, who has burst onto the scene at Old Trafford this year
But it was still somewhat of a shock for Richards – who made almost 250 appearances for City – to go with a player from their biggest rivals.
United fan Abdo also put club loyalties aside and selected a City star with a familiar name.
‘Oh yeah, that’s a nice shout, Micah from Man City! Micah Hamilton,’ she said.
Hamilton actually turned 20 in November, and has only made two senior appearances this season but has already made a positive impression.
He got a goal and an assist on his Champions League debut in December as Pep Guardiola’s men beat Red Star Belgrade 3-2 in Serbia.
Thierry Henry gave his own unique take as he answered which wonderkid he would want
Henry was pressed for his answer, as he gave his own unique take.
‘I would trust my youth team,’ he insisted. ‘Sorry, that is an option also. Why are you upset? Why do you have an academy for?’ which left Richards giggling.
Henry is the only one of the panel with managerial experience, having previously taken charge of Monaco and Montreal Impact, while he also served as Roberto Martinez’s assistant for Belgium.
He is now the France Under-21 coach, and won his first four games at the helm, but lost two games in the space of three days against Austria and South Korea in November.
