Andrés Iniesta hails Real Madrid newboy Takefusa Kubo: "He's an amazing talent"

Andrés Iniesta has been through La Masía, played in both LaLiga and Japan so it was only natural he was asked his thoughts on Real Madrid's new signing Takefusa Kubo.

You know Japanese football well, what do you think about Takefusa Kubo joining Real Madrid?

I know Kubo from having payed against him last season. We're talking about a player with immense talent and a great future ahead of him. He is one of the most gifted players in the world right now and I'm not surprised he's with a big club.

Do you think Barcelona could end up regretting not re-signing him?

Time will tell. I suppose Barça didn't want him or things didn't turn out the way they planned but Barcelona is above any one player.

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Barcelona's Japanese player Haroki Abe

You also know Haroki Abe, Barcelona's new Japanese signing?

Not as much. I've never played against him. But I've been told he's a very quick, skillful player.

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The eternal rivals

What do you think about the new-look Real Madrid?

Real Madrid have always had innate, talent - competitive players who help them battle for every competition they play in. They're always strong.

Is the current Barcelona squad better than last season's?

They have to improve every season. But having said that, in the end it's small details and matches that decide who wins the league. One poor game left the team out of the Champions League final last season, a final that they could have gone on to win.

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Reunited with Barcelona, on opposite sides

Will it feel a little strange for you playing against Barça on Saturday?

Sure. Fortunately it's not an official game and there's no silverware at stake but there's no doubt I've never been through anything like this before.

Have you already decided who you'd like to swap shirts with?

All I can say is that I've had three requested already - I can't say with who.