One of the most recent players to be linked with Liverpool this summer is Real Sociedad and Japan winger, Takefusa Kubo.
While a winger might not be the most prevalent position of need right now for the Reds, an attacking talent of Kubo's age and quality would be one that is hard to pass up, especially at a comfortable cost. so, what kind of player could Liverpool possibly get if a deal does come to fruition?
Again, this is not an expectation that he signs, purely speculative but let's see the player he is.
Dynamism on the ball
Kubo has an exceptional change-of-pace ability when on the ball that allows him to setup defenders at tight angles while maintaining a high pace in the process.
He is not unlike Luis Diaz in that he loves to attack defenses at every opportunity, but Kubo might actually have an extra gear of explosion in his dribbling game. He would certainly shine in Arne Slot's system which encourages his players to express themselves.
His quick feet allows him to receive the ball at a variety of angles while also giving him the confidence to get out of even the most tight of situations.
His ability to float in and out from the wing would mesh well with Liverpool's other forwards that love to interchange during a match.
Puts himself in dangerous spots but lacks elite finishing
The Japan winger is not the biggest man on the pitch, but his pace and reading of the game means he is always putting himself in threatening positions.
Just like Diaz, he sometimes gets caught in two minds in the box of wanting to take the shot as it arises but also trying to create for others as the moments come. This is something that he can still work on at 23.
He is one of the most aggressive shots in his Sociedad squad and that confidence and self-belief is part of what makes him the player that he is.
If he can harness that just a bit more, he could become a comfortable 15-goal and 15-assist guy on the wing in any iteration of Liverpool.
Positional versatility could be a plus
While mostly deployed as a right-winger, Kubo does spend a lot of his time dropping into the midfield to receive the ball and utilize his high-end agility to turn and get upfield in a flash.
That's not super unlike how one Mohamed Salah plays when he links up with players like Harvey Elliott and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Kubo would be a superb secondary and long-term option behind Salah with the chance to grow into a key player in Red.
His physical gifts, aside from his diminutive stature, means he can play on either wing or even in a No. 10 role as needed.
If Liverpool were to sign Takefusa Kubo they would be getting a dynamic dribbler with electric pace who would bring another level of unpredictability to their attack.
If he could clean up his finishing and decision making he would be on track to become a truly world class talent. As of now he is a top class player that can make any club that signs him that much better.