[THREAD] on some Takefusa Kubo thoughts:

I don’t know how much credence we can give to the rumors that he and Madrid want to terminate the loan deal with Villarreal early, but irregardless of whether they are true or not, I am not an advocate for that action.

Given all Emery’s statements on Kubo in the past, it’s clear that he thinks highly of Kubo, but he expects more. He wants Kubo to be decisive in the final third and to be locked in on his defensive responsibilities. Those expectations are only going to increase 10-fold at RM.

There is an insane amount of media pressure surrounding the kid. Listening to Grant Wahl’s “American Prodigy” podcast on Freddy Adu, it was very telling how that media pressure impacted Freddy, even if he didn’t realize it, nor did anyone around him at the time.

Freddy, at 14 y/o, had an incredible MLS rookie season. He played over 1,400 minutes starting 14 games and playing in a total of 30. He scored 5 goals and had 3 assists with a NpG+A per 90 of .50. In other words, a ridiculous great season for 14 y/o rookie.

He won the MLS Cup, but still wasn’t happy. The media had built him up so much that he expected to be starting every game from the moment he arrived, regardless of whether he earned it or not.

He felt he was so talented, not in an arrogant way, but just because EVERYONE around him was saying he should start, that he was the MJ of soccer, the American Pele, etc. When DC traveled, fans came to see Freddy. All the media questions were about Freddy.

There is no shielding or hiding from that, no matter how much you try to protect a young player. Kubo is in a very similar scenario and has the hopes of all of Japan on his shoulders, to make it as their next big star. If he’s not playing, he is surely frustrated.

BUT, he has to earn it! Here is the thing: Emery has been fair with him. When he’s played well — like he did against Elche the weekend prior — he was rewarded this weekend with a start. Contrary to belief, Emery is fair with young talent (see separate thread below for stats): https://twitter.com/mattwiltse4/status/1316383746409586693

By taking Kubo out of Villarreal, it’s like giving a spoiled little kid ice-cream every time he cries for it. Being on the bench, taking in and implementing the coaches instructions, earning your position through training and sub appearances, is part of developing.

If Kubo is just plucked out of Villarreal and placed elsewhere, sure he’ll play more — maybe he’ll score more goals and produce some highlight reel dribbles, but will he be developing the part of his game that’s required to succeed at RM? I’m not so sure.

Emery, for all his detractors, has coached at Valencia, Sevilla, PSG, and Arsenal — he has seen what’s required. Kubo may complain that he has no match rhythm or is in-and-out of the lineup, but at 19 you have to earn those games, you have to burst down the door!

I am very high on Kubo’s ability and overall ceiling, but his game does have flaws. I think working with Emery and fighting for that position, will serve him better in the long run than being constantly told how great he is and being slotted in as a starter immediately elsewhere.