‘Absolutely convinced’: Reported Celtic target can lead his country to World Cup glory, team-mate says

Follow us on Google Discover

Reported Celtic target Takefusa Kubo can help lead Japan to World Cup glory in 2022, goalkeeper Louis Yamaguchi has told the South China Morning Post.

While Shinji Kagawa, Keisuke Honda and Hoops legend Shunsuke Nakamura will have something to say about this, a Real Madrid-owned wonderkid might already be the most naturally talented Japanese footballer to emerge this side of the century.

The fresh-faced 19-year-old has been burdened by that ‘new Messi’ tag ever since he joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy a decade ago.

But perhaps the biggest compliment that can be paid to Kubo is that, since joining Real Mallorca on loan, he is making a name for himself in his own right in La Liga.

The twinkle-toed teen added to his burgeoning reputation with a mesmeric performance against Diego Simeone’s steel-capped Atletico Madrid side over the weekend, reminding everyone why Andres Iniesta has labelled him a footballer with ‘immense’ talent.

And if Real Madrid are willing to loan Kubo out again next season, AS claims that Celtic are battling AC Milan, Ajax and more for his sought-after signature.

“I’m very proud to be part of this team and I’m very eager to do big things with them,” Extramadura goalkeeper Yamaguchi said when asked about Japan’s 2022 World Cup hopes.

“I am absolutely convinced, I have the utmost confidence, and have no doubt that this team can beat any team from any country – I’d say within two years for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, if not before.”

“Maybe you can ask Kubo that question!,” he added, when asked about the pressure being placed on the shoulders of an exciting young Japanese generation.

Yamaguchi has a point.

Having represented both Barcelona and Real Madrid before he has even reached adulthood, Kubo is used to having to thrive under the crushing weight of expectation.

And you can guarantee that any hopes Japan have of making a splash in Qatar will rest on the shoulders of their diminutive, 5ft 8ins schemer.

Maybe a loan spell at Celtic, a perennial winning machine, could give Kubo the ruthless streak he needs if he is to become the second coming of Messi, rather than Alen Halilovic 2.0.