Takefusa Kubo - All Goals and Assists in 2023/2024

 

Takefusa Kubo - All Goals and Assists in 2023/2024

Takefusa Kubo has firmly established himself as a pivotal figure at Real Sociedad since joining the Basque club in July 2022. Having once been part of Real Madrid's youth system and enduring several loan spells, his move to Real Sociedad has provided him with the stability and consistent playing time needed to truly flourish and demonstrate his immense talent on a regular basis in La Liga.

The 2024/2025 season saw Takefusa Kubo continue to be a key attacking threat for Real Sociedad. He made 36 appearances in La Liga, showcasing his consistent presence in the squad. During these matches, he scored 5 goals and provided 0 assists, contributing to Real Sociedad's offensive efforts. He also played in the Copa del Rey and UEFA Europa League, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists in the latter competition over 11 appearances.

While his assist numbers in La Liga for 2024/2025 were lower than in previous seasons, his overall offensive contribution remains significant. He consistently ranks high in metrics such as "shots total" and "successful dribbles," indicating his proactive approach to attacking play and his ability to take on defenders. His "touches in the attacking penalty area" are also among the highest, highlighting his presence in dangerous zones.

Kubo's playing style is characterized by his exceptional dribbling ability, close ball control, and intelligent movement. Operating primarily as a right winger, he frequently cuts inside onto his stronger left foot, posing a constant threat to opposition defenses. He possesses rapid acceleration and deceptive body movements, making him highly effective in one-on-one situations, often evading challenges with ease.

Beyond his individual brilliance, Kubo also plays a crucial role in Real Sociedad's build-up play and chance creation. He is adept at linking midfield and attack, making smart runs and delivering incisive passes. He shows excellent vision to switch play and can deliver precise crosses, adding another dimension to his attacking repertoire. His ability to control the rhythm of the game and dictate possession flow is also noteworthy.

Defensively, while not his primary strength, Kubo is far from a liability. He contributes to Real Sociedad's counter-pressing efforts and utilizes his footballing IQ to block passes and anticipate opponent moves, helping to win the ball back. His work rate off the ball, particularly in tracing back, demonstrates his commitment to the team's defensive structure.

Kubo's consistent performances at Real Sociedad have naturally led to transfer speculation, with his former club Real Madrid reportedly holding a buy-back clause. Additionally, clubs like Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United have been linked with the Japanese international. Real Sociedad, however, has maintained a firm stance, insisting that he will only leave if his reported €60 million release clause is met.

With a contract running until June 2029, Real Sociedad is in a strong position regarding his future. While the club may face challenges in retaining top talents if they miss out on European competition, Kubo's commitment and value to the team remain high. His development at Real Sociedad has been instrumental in solidifying his status as one of Asia's premier footballing talents.

Therefore, Takefusa Kubo's tenure at Real Sociedad has been a resounding success, offering him the platform to consistently showcase his remarkable abilities. His strong performances make him an indispensable asset for the club, despite ongoing transfer rumors that underscore his growing reputation on the European stage.