Which Premier League wonderkid would be picked No 1 in an NFL-style draft? Thierry Henry, Kate Abdo and Micah Richards make selections, with former Man City defender choosing starlet at rival club
- Thierry Henry, Kate Abdo and Micah Richards chose their prodigy
- Richards opted to pick a rising star from one of Man City’s main rivals
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Thierry Henry, Kate Abdo and Micah Richards have named their best under-20 players in the Premier League, with the former Manchester City star making a surprise selection.
Fresh off the thrilling Super Bowl in which the Kansas City Chiefs claimed an overtime victory against the San Francisco 49ers, the trio were asked to name the rising star they would pick from England’s top flight if football adopted an NFL style.
The question provided a lot of food for thought, with Richards initially keen to pick Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham before being reminded it had to be a Premier League player. Finally he made his choice.
‘I’m going for Mainoo, Man United. Start a team like that,ā the CBS Sports expert confirmed.
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 set up a dramatic 4-3 win for the Red Devils against Wolves earlier this month, and has been likened to iconic central midfield duo Paul Scholes and Clarence Seedorf.
Micah Richards was put on the spot to pick the Premier League wunderkind he would pick first in an NFL-style draft
He chose Kobbie Mainoo from Man United, who arrived at Old Trafford this year
But it was still a bit of a shock for Richards – who made almost 250 appearances for City – to be playing with a player from their biggest rivals.
United fan Abdo also put club loyalty aside and opted for a City star with a household name.
‘Oh yes, that’s a nice shout, Micah from Man City! Micah Hamilton,ā she said.
Hamilton actually turned 20 in November and has made just two senior appearances this season but has already made a positive impression.
He had 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 opinion when answering which prodigy he would like
Henry was asked for his answer because he gave his own unique opinion.
āI would trust my youth team,ā he insisted. ‘Sorry, that’s also an option. Why are you mad? Why do you have an academy?’ causing Richards to giggle.
Henry is the only one on the panel with managerial experience, having previously been in charge of Monaco and Montreal Impact, while also being Roberto Martinez’s assistant for Belgium.
He is now France Under-21 coach and won his first four games at the helm, but lost two games in three days against Austria and South Korea in November.
