AC Milan and Ajax legend Clarence Seedorf told Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo that he sees similarities between himself and the England international.
Seedorf paid a visit to United's Carrington training complex to interview Mainoo for Amazon Prime Video Sport and addressed the fact that Mainoo is often referred to by fans as the "Stockport Seedorf."
"People compare us sometimes, maybe too much. I didn't like to be compared when I was young. I think everybody's unique. I think you're a unique player," the Dutchman told Mainoo.
"I think you have a similar mindset as I had at a young age. The way you read the match and the way you are calm, which is a great attribute to have because when pressure comes for the team, they can rely on you."
Clarence Seedorf interviewed Kobbie Mainoo for Amazon Prime Video Sport. Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images and Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images Seedorf and Mainoo discussed Champions League matches and the special feeling that the tournament has. Seedorf remains the only player to ever win Europe's biggest club competition with three different clubs.
"It feels like it's so long ago. Well, I know it's only a few years, but it feels like so long ago just because it feels like a lot has happened. A lot of matches and a lot has happened," Mainoo said when asked about his Champions League debut in 2023.
"To be where we are now, you know, obviously we could be doing better in the league, which we will, we will get better. But to be qualified for Champions League and hearing that music and walking out at Old Trafford, you know, is special.
"My first season was my first glimpse of Champions League football and I was young, 18, and I'd come on against Bayern Munich and Galatasaray and I came in the late stages and we were out, so I was like, "Oh, I need to feel that again," you know?
"I need to be under those lights again and to be back there. So it's amazing."
Seedorf spoke about winning the Champions League with his idol Frank Rijkaard and being driven when he was a young player to win as many Champions League titles as Rijkaard did.
He asked Mainoo what his drive is at United and the midfielder said he wants to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.
"Obviously with a boss like Michael Carrick, who's won here, and he knows about the golden times with Man United, I want to bring that back, you know?" Mainoo told Seedorf.