Just 19 years old when he left Kyoto Sanga for BSC Young Boys, Yuya Kubo has blossomed over the last four seasons into a potent striker. After securing a midwinter transfer to Belgian outfit Gent, he raised eyebrows by scoring five goals in his first seven appearances for the club and another six in the Jupiler Pro League’s championship playoff.
The 2017-18 season has seen Kubo start in fine form, scoring six goals from 19 appearances as of this writing. His status on the national team continues to rise after he scored his first two international goals in March’s World Cup Qualifiers. Kubo’s versatility, technique, and finishing have inspired some to consider him Japan’s next attacking hope, but like many young Japanese prospects he will need to continue to develop at higher levels in Europe.
