WATCH: Takefusa Kubo’s Goal and Assists vs Sivasspor

Seven matches into the season and at last, Takefusa Kubo starts a game for Villarreal. The mid-week fixture was the yellow submarine’s first match in Europe. A UEFA Europa League clash against Turkish side, Sivasspor. Kubo started on the right wing with an attacking trident consisting of Carlos Bacca, Samu Chukwueze, and Kubo himself.

The match ended in a 5-3 victory with Kubo grabbing the first goal and notching two assists. The opening goal was opportunistic, Kubo reacted quickest to the parry by the Sivasspor goalkeeper on Samu Chukwueze’s shot and calmly lifted the ball into the net:

Kubo’s first assist really showcased his talent. Unai Emery has previously spoken about working with Kubo on perfecting his final ball. Those training sessions may already be paying dividends as Kubo slipped an incisive pass through to Carlos Bacca who dispatched the ball into the back of the net.

His second assist on the night, came from an out-swinging corner kick. Taken from the left side of the pitch, Kubo whipped in a firm ball to the near post where Juan Foyth was able to connect with his head.

It was a statement game from the Japanese teenager. With Gerard Moreno still out with injury, it will be a battle for the starting right wing position between both Chukwueze and Kubo for Sunday’s game vs Cadiz. Kubo’s second yellow card was rescinded by the RFEF and he will be available to play the match on the weekend.