Takefusa Kubo, often dubbed the “Japanese Messi” for his dazzling dribbling skills, vision, and footballing IQ, is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting players in world football. The Tokyo-born winger has made significant waves across European football, having represented top-tier clubs like Real Madrid, Villarreal, and now Real Sociedad. His unique playing style, maturity beyond his years, and a career trajectory marked by a series of impressive performances have garnered attention from both fans and football experts worldwide.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Takefusa Kubo’s career, his playing style, his rise to prominence, and his impact on Japanese and global football. Additionally, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions about the player.
Early Life and Development: The Roots of Kubo’s Talent
Born on June 4, 2001, in Kawasaki, Japan, Takefusa Kubo’s football journey began at a very young age. His father, a football enthusiast, played a key role in nurturing his son’s passion for the sport. At just five years old, Kubo joined his first football club, and his exceptional talent became evident from the outset.
At the age of 9, Kubo joined the youth ranks of the prestigious FC Barcelona academy, La Masia, where he spent several years developing his skills in the highly competitive youth system. His time at La Masia, which started in 2011, was instrumental in shaping his technical ability and tactical awareness. Kubo was one of the few players who impressed at La Masia in such a short span, showcasing his creativity, dribbling, and vision on the pitch.
However, Kubo’s time in Spain came to an abrupt end in 2015 due to a FIFA ban on Barcelona, which prohibited the club from signing international youth players. After the ban, Kubo returned to Japan and joined FC Tokyo’s youth academy, where he continued his development before making his professional debut for the senior team at just 15 years old.
The Breakthrough: From FC Tokyo to Europe
Kubo’s time at FC Tokyo was marked by his rapid rise through the ranks. He debuted in Japan’s J1 League during the 2016 season, and by the 2019 season, he had become one of the league’s most exciting young talents. His impressive performances with FC Tokyo did not go unnoticed, and it wasn’t long before European clubs came calling.
In 2019, at just 18 years old, Kubo made a high-profile move to Real Madrid, one of the world’s most successful and renowned football clubs. His transfer to Los Blancos marked a significant milestone in his career and was widely regarded as a major coup for Real Madrid, given the competition for his signature from other top clubs in Europe.
However, Kubo’s path to the first team at Real Madrid was not straightforward. The club immediately loaned him out to various teams to gain first-team experience. His first loan spell took him to Mallorca, where he enjoyed a successful season in La Liga, playing regularly and impressing with his flair, technical skill, and ability to create scoring opportunities. Kubo’s performances at Mallorca made him one of the standout young talents in La Liga, which paved the way for future moves.
Kubo’s Journey Through La Liga: Villarreal, Getafe, and Real Sociedad
After his successful spell at Mallorca, Kubo was loaned out to Villarreal for the 2020-2021 season, where he continued to hone his skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals in a top-tier Spanish team. While his time at Villarreal was less prolific in terms of goals, it was an important learning experience that contributed to his development as a well-rounded player.
In 2021, Kubo was once again loaned out, this time to Getafe. However, his spell at Getafe was a short one, and he struggled to make an impact in a team that played a very direct and defensive style of football. Despite this, his talent remained undiminished, and his versatility and creativity were still evident in flashes.
The most recent chapter in Kubo’s career has been his move to Real Sociedad. In 2022, Kubo joined the Basque club on a permanent deal, marking a new beginning in his career. His performances at Sociedad have been nothing short of exceptional, with Kubo establishing himself as one of the best young wingers in La Liga. His technical brilliance, dribbling, and ability to score goals have made him a fan favorite and a key player for the team.
Takefusa Kubo’s Playing Style
Takefusa Kubo is often compared to Lionel Messi due to his similar playing style. Like Messi, Kubo is a left-footed winger who thrives in tight spaces and is capable of dribbling past multiple defenders with ease. His low center of gravity, close ball control, and quick acceleration make him an unpredictable and difficult player to defend against.
Here are some key aspects of Kubo’s playing style:
Dribbling and Creativity
Kubo’s dribbling is one of his standout qualities. His quick feet and exceptional ball control allow him to glide past defenders effortlessly, often in situations where other players would struggle. His ability to change direction quickly and make quick turns makes him a constant threat on the ball.
Vision and Passing
Kubo is an intelligent playmaker with excellent vision. He has a natural ability to spot runs and make incisive passes that break defensive lines. His crossing ability, especially from wide positions, is also highly effective, as he can deliver precise balls into the box for teammates.
Versatility
While Kubo is primarily a winger, he is incredibly versatile. He can play on either flank, cut inside onto his stronger left foot, or even operate as an attacking midfielder. This flexibility makes him a valuable asset for any team, as he can adapt to different tactical setups and formations.
Finishing and Composure
Kubo has an eye for goal and is capable of scoring from both distance and close range. His left foot is a powerful weapon, and he has the ability to strike the ball with precision, whether it be in open play or from set pieces.
International Career with Japan
Takefusa Kubo has been a key player for the Japanese national team since his debut in 2019. His performances for Japan have only continued to improve, and he is expected to be a key figure in the country’s footballing future.
Kubo was part of Japan’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he played an important role in Japan’s historic victories over Germany and Spain. His performances on the international stage have solidified his reputation as one of the best young talents in world football.
FAQs:
What are Takefusa Kubo’s strengths?
Kubo’s main strengths include his dribbling, creativity, vision, versatility, and finishing. He is known for his quick feet, ability to take on defenders, and his precise passing and crossing.
Has Takefusa Kubo played for Real Madrid?
Yes, Kubo joined Real Madrid in 2019, but he was loaned out to various clubs to gain first-team experience. He played for Mallorca, Villarreal, and Getafe before moving to Real Sociedad permanently in 2022.
Where is Takefusa Kubo currently playing?
As of the 2023-2024 season, Takefusa Kubo is playing for Real Sociedad in La Liga, where he has become a key player for the club.
Is Takefusa Kubo a part of the Japanese national team?
Yes, Kubo is an important player for Japan and has been a regular member of the national team since his debut in 2019.
What is Takefusa Kubo’s playing style?
Kubo is known for his dribbling ability, quick feet, and creativity. He is a versatile winger who can play on either flank or in an attacking midfield role.
Why is Takefusa Kubo called the ‘Japanese Messi’?
Kubo has earned the nickname “Japanese Messi” due to his similar playing style to that of Lionel Messi, particularly in terms of dribbling, vision, and technique. Both players share a similar left-footed playing style and ability to navigate tight spaces with ease.
Wrapping Up
Takefusa Kubo is a rare talent who has already made a significant impact in European football at such a young age. With his technical brilliance, versatility, and creativity, Kubo is undoubtedly one of the most promising young players in the world today. His journey from Japan to the global football stage has been a testament to his dedication and immense potential.
As he continues to develop and refine his game, Kubo’s future looks incredibly bright, and football fans around the world will be eager to watch his progress in the coming years. Whether at Real Sociedad or with the Japanese national team, Takefusa Kubo is poised to be one of the next big stars in world football.
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