Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has heaped praises on Real Madrid’s latest summer arrival Takefusa Kubo, tipping the youngster for a bright future.
In a recent interview, as reported by Spanish publication MARCA, former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta has sung praises of Japanese wonderkid Takefusa Kubo, who joined Real Madrid in the ongoing summer transfer window.
Kubo, 18, had a four-year stint at Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth academy between 2011 and 2015. But, the forward had to leave the Catalans and return to Japan due to their violation of FIFA’s international transfer policy for players under the age of 18.
Having joined FC Tokyo, the Japanese starlet became the youngest-ever goalscorer in the history of J-League at the age of 15 years and 10 months. After 30 appearances for the club, in which he scored six goals and assisted four more, the teenage sensation left FC Tokyo to join Real Madrid this summer for a reported fee of €2 million.
Since joining Real Madrid, Kubo has made a strong impression during the club’s pre-season tour, catching the eye with his dazzling skills during training sessions as well as in the International Champions Cup encounter against German champions Bayern Munich.
Now, Barcelona legend Iniesta has come out in praises of the teenage wonderkid, who has joined the Catalans’ biggest rivals. The Spaniard, who plies his trade for Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe, said, “I know Kubo because I played against him last season. He is an impressive talent and has a great future ahead of him. He is a young player who is gifted enough to earn a spot at one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
When quizzed on whether Barcelona would go on to regret losing the starlet, the midfield great said, “Only time will tell. I suppose the club just did not want him or maybe just things went the wrong way, but Barcelona is more important than any player.”
Kubo has signed a five-year contract with Real Madrid. Given the wealth of attacking talent at manager Zinedine Zidane’s disposal, it will be interesting to see how much game-time the teenager will see in his debut campaign. But, judging by the evidence that he has put forth till date, the Japanese wunderkind seems to be headed for a bright future in the game, as alluded to by Iniesta.
