Pundits have likened Mainoo to Dutch great Seedorf.
But Ten Hag says: "So I think never ever compare players with another player.
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"Never. Because Kobbie Mainoo, but also other players, they build their own identity.
"Don't compare with anyone. His skillset, that is so typical. And it's so Kobbie Mainoo, it's nothing to do with other players.
"Of course, he can learn from other players, especially from great players as Clarence Seedorf was. But Kobbie Mainoo is Kobbie Mainoo. He has big potential and I'm quite sure he will have a big career."