What Tottenham target Kobbie Mainoo must do in order to fulfil his early promise

With the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season not too far off now, England's top clubs will undoubtedly be starting to make serious moves in the transfer market.

Although the window is open for some while after the campaign begins, coaches, backroom staff and playing squads will have all been working on team shape and dynamic throughout pre-season and as such, any late comers risk upsetting the dressing room equilibrium.

That's hardly ideal at such an early stage of the season when clubs are looking to get a foothold and not begin on the back foot.

Thomas Frank ready for Tottenham challenge

There are some clubs that have undergone something of a face lift across the summer too, so not only does the first-team squad have new players to integrate with, but new faces in the dugout arguably means a different way of working too.

At Tottenham, Thomas Frank is the latest in the hot-seat after Ange Postecoglou was unceremoniously dumped by chairman Daniel Levy despite winning the North Londoners their first major trophy in 17 years.

One can't help but sense a feeling of deja vu with Frank's appointment, but that's a narrative for another day. For now, the Dane is charged with building on Postecoglou's legacy and improving upon it.

Given that there are genuine reasons for Spurs' drop off in form during the Australian's second season - namely an astonishing amount of injuries to key players - it will be interesting to note Levy's reaction in particular when the going gets tough again once injuries hit. And they will.

Kobbie Mainoo in Spurs' sights?

In any event, Frank has already made his mark in terms of playing staff, making the temporary deals for Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso permanent.

The signing of Mo Kudus from local rivals West Ham United should also give them an edge in terms of attacking impetus if the Ghanaian can reproduce some of the form that he showed in his first season at the London Stadium.

Rumours have been swirling for a while now that Manchester United's England international midfielder Kobbie Mainoo could also be in Frank's sights.

Kobbie Mainoo StatsFlashscore

A suggestion that Ruben Amorim won't guarantee Mainoo a starting spot in a World Cup year would appear to play into the notion that the 20-year-old could see his future elsewhere as a result.

Rio lauds Mainoo

Former United legend Rio Ferdinand is just one to voice the opinion that he certainly doesn't want to consider that Mainoo might be moving to another Premier League club.

“He’s a better ball carrier (than Paul Scholes), he’s a better manipulator under pressure, and is more press resistant," he was quoted as saying.

“I heard Amorim talking about demanding more from Kobbie Mainoo. Build it around Mainoo man, I think he is that good."

In terms of the numbers that he posted in 2024/25, one goal and no assists in 27 games across all competitions would appear to support Amorim's apparent contention that the player needs to do more to affect the outcome of matches.

Whilst it's accepted that scoring goals isn't Mainoo's primary concern given his usual position in central midfield, and further taking into account what an unbelievably poor season it was for the club, the fact remains that he can operate a little further forward at times and has to know when to take games by the scruff of the neck and weigh in with some goals and assists.

Midfielder needs to regain confidence

As Ferdinand rightly notes, the player has the ability and could become one of the all-time greats if he fulfils that early promise.

Just 15 shots at goal last season, of which only two were on target, speaks of a player devoid of confidence and unwilling - or unable - to get forward when tactics allow.

If there's one thing Tottenham would need from Mainoo, it's that ability to link defence and attack and to drive the team forwards throughout games.

Rarely shrugged off the ball, he should be using his physicality to greater effect too. 45% success in one-on-one duels last season and only 19 aerial duels won out of 50 contested also needs to be addressed.

Perhaps playing in a team where he feels valued might help to see him produce his best work, as it's often overlooked what part confidence and appreciation plays in one's work.

Superb passing range

If there's one area where Mainoo has excelled, it's with his passing range. Confident in possession and perfectly able to find a teammate as needed, his 87.4% success rate was better than the majority of Postecoglou's Tottenham squad. A squad that were lauded for their way in which they passed the ball around, let's not forget.

Kobbie Mainoo Passes vs Aston Villa 2024/25Opta by Stats Perform

Although a deal for Mainoo to move to the capital is far from a foregone conclusion at this stage, there are valid reasons why it could happen.

In order to become a success elsewhere, however, there's a clear pathway for the player to follow in order to reach the level everyone expects.