Takefusa Kubo

Key strength: Vision and passing

Wide creator

Anchored in 8th place in La Liga, Real Sociedad are navigating a transitional campaign where Takefusa Kubo has emerged as the heartbeat of their attacking identity. The 24-year-old Japanese winger—now valued at €30 million—has evolved from a promising talent into the club's primary creative catalyst on the right flank. Across 20 appearances and nearly 1,400 minutes, Kubo has contributed 2 goals and 3 assists, numbers that belie his deeper influence. His true value lies in isolating defenders on the touchline before threading incisive passes that unlock compact defenses. Operating in a dynamic triumvirate alongside captain Mikel Oyarzabal and Gonçalo Guedes, Kubo's 68 dribbling and 66 passing attributes make him the connector between Real Sociedad's midfield control and final-third penetration. Manager Imanol Alguacil has entrusted Kubo with the wide creator role, and the Japanese international has repaid that faith with consistent creative output. As La Real chase European qualification, Kubo's vision and passing precision could prove the difference in tight contests—his ability to turn half-chances into genuine goal-scoring opportunities making him indispensable to Sociedad's ambitions.