'He never lets off the gas': Kobbie Mainoo says player Man City let go in 2023 is absolutely 'electric'

Kobbie Mainoo has made a fresh claim about a player Manchester City sold last summer.

The Manchester United poster-child, who was compared to Rodri by Paul Scholes came on as a second-half substitute during England’s 0-0 draw against Slovenia.

While Gareth Southgate’s side huffed and puffed to no avail, Mainoo made a case to become a start in his nation’s Round of 16 clash on Sunday. Another player who had a significant impact on proceedings off the bench was former Manchester City winger Cole Palmer — who was playing on the right-flank while Anthony Gordon replaced Phil Foden late into the game on the left-wing.

Kobbie Mainoo hails Cole Palmer after England draw 0-0 to Slovenia

The Chelsea attacker replaced Bukayo Saka and instantly, he was a breath of fresh air — taking on defenders, putting dangerous crosses into the box and providing a threat in the attack that was non-existence before his arrival.

Pep Guardiola would often bring the 21-year-old as a late substitute and he would have a similar impact — as evidenced by his stunning strike for City against Arsenal in the FA Community Shield last year.

After how the Wythenshawe-born technician impacted the game off the bench on Tuesday, he could be in line to become a starter in the next game. At the very least, the highly-rated forward seems set to become the Three Lions’ first attacking substitute.

Mainoo was full of praise for Palmer after England’s latest disappointing result.

The youngster told ITV Sport: “Yeah, everyone knows, he’s electric. We’ve seen in the Premier League, what he can do and he’s continuing that and I’m sure he’ll continue to do it in the next rounds as well.”

Mainoo was asked how Palmer is like in training, as he replied: “One of the best in training every day, he never lets off the gas, he’s always trying to score goals, trying to get better, like the rest of the lads are as well, that’s what we need.”

Man City have a player as fearless as Cole Palmer in Jeremy Doku

As Mainoo said, Palmer is electric and the same can be said about Jeremy Doku.

Whether that is as an impact substitute or as a starter, the Belgian has showcased during his stint at the Etihad Stadium that at the very least, he is fearless.

While Manchester City supporters might rue the club’s decision to sell Palmer, Doku is perhaps as talented and possesses the same carefree mentality that young attackers often do.

As sensational a player as Palmer is, the Sky Blues have their own young difference-maker out wide in the former Rennes winger.