Isn’t it nice to see elite teams like Real Madrid fighting for their young stars who are currently on international service at the Olympics?
Every time we see a social media post from a top club boasting one of their children’s shows over in Tokyo, a misleading part of our brain thinks that “it could mean they will give them a chance next season” – then we realize living in the dream world.
✨ ???? ✨ ??? Three parties, three goals! ?? ⚽ ?? ⚽ ?? ⚽ ?? Jap ¡Japon alcanza los quarts imbatido! # Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/FacCuV3QQ9
– Real Madrid CF (@realmadrid) 28 July 2021
That is at least the case with Los Blancos and Takefusa Kubo.
The La Liga giants have been shouting from rooftops about the performances of Kubo at this summer’s game, with 20-year-old notches in each of his side’s three excursions at the tournament so far.
What is perhaps even more impressive about Japan’s international exhibitions is that each of his three strikes has shown a completely different side to his game – showing that he is a player who can really benefit Real next season.
The youth’s first strike in the tournament gave their side a winning start in their opening against South Africa, which showed unparalleled awareness of running behind the defense while the rest of his teammates and the opposition stood still waiting for a throw to be taken.
After collecting the ball on the right side of the pitch, he did well to create a space by cutting into his favorite foot before firing the ball through the legs of South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams – it actually hit four players in total but we do not really give him credit because he means to do so.
His second goal of the tournament came in the ensuing match against Mexico, this time he cut in from the left and showed a fast speed to avoid his marker before going home, while his latest goal against France was about the pure sniper instinct when he followed in to shoot home a rebound.
Takefusa Kubo scored a new goal against France recently / Zhizhao Wu / Getty Images
Since Kubo moved to Real from FC Tokyo in 2019, not much has been offered as a snuff of the first team’s action, with Los Blancos immediately taking the chance to send him out on loan.
The Japanese international has had temporary spells at Mallorca, Villarreal and Getafe, and although he has now gained valuable experience in La Liga, another temporary spell from the club seems to be on the way.
Given Kubo’s obvious talent and eye for goal, the only criticism that can possibly be directed at him as to why he does not deserve a shot under Carlo Ancelotti is his lack of experience.
But with two seasons in Spain and Real’s squad having a number of players who got their chance to gain less experience than Kubo, we honestly believe he deserves a shot.
Takefusa Kubo is likely to be sent out on loan again next season / Zhizhao Wu / Getty Images
The adaptability of the Japanese international may prove to be a great asset for Ancelotti – proving that he is a threat in the big areas and behind a frontman – but still with a wealth of talent including Eden Hazard, Vinicius Junior, Lucas Vazquez, Rodrygo, Marco Asensio and the returning Gareth Bale to contend with, his chances look narrower than ever.
Not only does Kubo have little or no chance of impressing Ancelotti, there is also the question of Real even registering him.
The aforementioned Brazilian duo Vinicius and Rodrygo together with compatriot Eder Militao are currently granted Reals three permitted places outside the EU.
Carlo Ancelotti will wave goodbye to Japan’s international this summer / Jan Kruger / Getty Images
As a player outside the EU himself, Kubo could do a hat trick in every game he plays at the Summer Olympics and he will still not get any of Real’s three non-EU places in the squad, which means that a loan flight looks even more likely.
Given his fantastic performances over the past week, it’s a shame to think that Kubo will not get the chance to shine at Real in their 2021/22 promotion, but their loss is another club’s win and hopefully he will show off his talents elsewhere. next season.
