Real Madrid phenom Takefusa Kubo made his debut on Sunday and he made an immediate impression with Spanish media hailing the signing of the 18-year-old as a 'masterstroke'.
Kubo, who enjoyed four years at Barcelona's famed youth academy La Masia before returning to Japan, was snapped up by the Spanish giants in a deal worth a reported £1.78 million.
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The budding attacker, dubbed the 'Japanese Messi', was introduced to the football world as Zinedine Zidane drafted on the youngster in the second-half of their pre-season game against Bayern Munich.
While Real Madrid lost the game, Kubo impressed Zidane and fans alike with a very mature looking performance. He was full of energy and pulled the strings in midfield.
After his run-out, Kubo spoke to reporters and touched on several topics, including the buzz he's created in Japan.
"I know what's happening in my country," he said after the match. "People are a bit... There is a lot of focus placed on me, and I don't really like that.
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"I do my thinking on the pitch."
Kubo's pleased with his Real Madrid debut despite suffering defeat to the German champions.
"I'm very happy about my debut with Real Madrid, even though we lost and even though I always hate to lose," he added.
"My plan is to help the team as much as possible.
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"It was about pressing and playing quickly with one or two touches. I feel comfortable in whatever zone they place me."
Kubo's slated to feature for Real Madrid's Castilla side next season, but he could find himself lining up in Zidane's first-team much sooner than expected following his showings.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, resume their pre-season tour against Arsenal on Wednesday.
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