WATCH: Real Madrid’s ‘Japanese Messi’; a future world best?

Eden Hazard might be Real Madrid’s marquee signing this summer but one other transfer that has set tongues in the Spanish capital wagging is the capture of Japanese wonderkid, Takefusa Kubo.

The 18-year-old  was hailed by the club as “one of the most promising youngsters in world football”.

Kubo, 18, has signed a five-year contract for an undisclosed fee, and will go straight into Real’s B team, Castilla, in the third tier of Spanish football next season.

“A technically gifted and hugely talented attacking midfielder, he possesses wonderful vision, quick feet and has an eye for goal,” the club said.

Kubo’s got more than the expectations of signing for one of the world’s biggest clubs hanging over his head, however, as his particular set of gifts has seen him compared to one of the game’s all-time greats as well

His style of play has earned him the enviable tag of the ‘Japanese Messi’, ironically after the captain of Real’s arch rivals and current Spanish champions, Barcelona.

Kubo, who made his Japan debut against El Salvador earlier this month, impressed for table-topping J League side FC Tokyo.

He is currently in Brazil with the rest of the Japan squad preparing for the Copa America, where they are competing as a guest team, which begins later on Friday.

Kubo might have turned out for the Blaugrana instead had Barcelona not been found guilty of youth transfer breaches and handed a 14-month transfer ban by FIFA.

So what has made Kubo such a sought after property in world football? While he may not be ready for the first division just yet, here’s a taste of what Spanish fans could expect from the teenager.