Who is Takefusa Kubo? The ‘Japanese Messi’ Arne Slot wants at Liverpool

Robin Bairner

4 May 2024 12:10 BST
14 min read

Takefusa Kubo, Real Sociedad, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Liverpool have been linked with a potential move for Takefusa Kubo, who is one of the most exciting players to come out of Japan.

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Having progressed through the youth academy of Real Madrid, who beat Barcelona to his signing, Kubo is a player long-tipped for superstardom.

He made his breakthrough with Los Blancos but has been forced to move to Real Sociedad in order to get the first-team football required to show his talents to a wider audience.

And now it might be only a matter of time before he really makes it to the big time.

What position does Kubo play in?

Kubo is a right winger, who plays the position in a classic style.

He has also operated behind the strikers in the past.

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How good is Kubo?

Kubo has been one of the leading wingers in LaLiga during the 2023/24 season, ranking in the top third in his role according to data analytics experts SciSports.

He performs especially well in terms of his finishing, while he is a capable defensive player, with his positioning and prevention outstanding attributes.

Due to his low centre of gravity and dribbling abilities, Kubo has earned the, perhaps unfair, nickname of 'The Japanese Lionel Messi'.

Kubo vs LaLiga wingers: 2023/24

It has not been an easy ride for him to get into this position, as he has had to negotiate a number of loans at Mallorca (twice), Villarreal and Getafe.

A permanent move in 2022/23 to Real Sociedad was really key to unlocking his best level as he scored nine LaLiga goals in his first season at the club.

He now has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETC) of €44.7 million.

He's a natural leader and he's comfortable with the pressure

- Mallorca executive Maheta Molango

Mallorca executive Maheta Molango heaped praise on Kubo previously, telling Sportsmail:

"I was very, very impressed by Kubo when I met him," he told Sportsmail in a UK exclusive interview. 'He's super humble, super down to earth. It's not easy to keep your feet on the ground when you've been a superstar since you were 10.

"Kubo is very focused, very professional. That's also down to his family, they're very humble and hard-working. His talent is obvious, but the reason why he will one day be a football superstar is his head.

"He sees things that other people don't see, the ability to see a pass and pick a long ball. His intelligence is outstanding. He is very skilled technically but also very brave, he's not scared of the ball and of taking on responsibility.

"He's a natural leader and he's comfortable with the pressure. He has the ingredients to one day be a superstar."