Unai Emery: “Kubo has characteristics similar to David Silva”

As some of his players head off for international duty — including Real Madrid loanee Takefusa Kubo — Unai Emery took to Spanish radio and spoke with Cadena Ser’s El Laguero to discuss the evolution of his Villarreal team. During the interview, Emery was of course asked directly about his young Japanese playmaker for which he had high praise.

“With us, Kubo can go through the proper growing process. I am happy with him. He is participating and playing well with us. I want Kubo’s growth the same way that I want Fer Nino or Baena’s growth [two other Villarreal prospects],” Emery stated.

Last year at Real Mallorca, Kubo conducted an interview with La Liga where he pointed to Emery’s former side, Valencia, and how the likes of Mata, Villa, and Silva were an inspiration to him as a young boy. Many have pointed to the stylistic similarities between Take Kubo and David Silva. Emery is another who has shined light on that comparison: “Kubo has similar characteristics to David Silva. He is improving little by little as he arrives in the area for the final pass.”

This is not the first time that Emery has mentioned his work with Kubo on the “final pass”. That element of his game, coupled with the defensive instruction he is now implementing under Emery, will go a long way in progressing his career at the top level. Kubo may not be receiving the same amount of minutes as he was last season under Vicente Moreno, but Emery has been personally working with the player to develop his game.