Takefusa Kubo has been dubbed the 'Japanese Messi' in the past and after his performance against the original on Saturday and impressing in training the plaudits are coming his way.
Plenty of exciting prospects have been named as their country's Messi or the 'next Messi' but comparing anyone to the six time Ballon d'Or winner is often nothing more than folly.
Youngster Kubo, who initially signed for Barcelona but had to leave when FIFA ruled the club had broken rules for signing under 18 players, is on loan at Mallorca from Real Madrid this season, and he's looking good at the moment.
The 19-year-old has been on loan at Mallorca all season and made 25 appearances in the league, and was one of the best players at the weekend despite Barca winning 4-0, scoring three times and earning three assists.
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Speaking after the match about the Japanese star, Mallorca assistant manager Dani Pendin told Agustín Commisso, "Kubo is a much better player than when he arrived. We have worked a lot with him. It helps that he is very intelligent. He is a boy of 19 years, but has a head like 30. He is very polite, respectful, and pays a lot of attention every time the coach speaks.
"As a left-footed player, Kubo has a privilege and he carries a gift that God gave him, that quality he has to play and to control. He also has a lot of speed, be it in short bursts or long sprints, and a very good strike."
Coming up against the team that he used to play for meant a reunion for Kubo as he came up against another player making lots of headlines, Antsu Fati.
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The young Barca forward has been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp recently but chatted to his former teammate before kick off and the pair took a picture together.
How far do you think Kubo can go? Let us know in the comments.
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