Real Sociedad coach Luis Matarazzo tried a new tactic with the Japanese Take Kubo during the match against Deportivo de La Coruña, but the experiment did not give results. After not having played in the last game after the break, Kubo appeared on the bench again in the duel in Leuven, where Matarazzo decided to give him his first chance of the season in the 68th minute, replacing Luka Sucic.
The coach sought to place the player in an interior position, almost like a second striker, within a staggered double striker alongside Mikel Oyarzabal. This decision sought to protect the Japanese due to his lack of effectiveness in one-on-one situations, a weakness that had become evident in the final stretch of last year. Kubo, who usually plays in the interior corridors with the Japanese team, seemed to adjust to the tactical idea, but the result on the field was different.
In his 22 minutes on the field in Den Dreef, Kubo showed minimal participation. He barely touched 12 balls, completed 8 of 9 passes with 89% accuracy and only made three deliveries into the opponent's area. Furthermore, he did not attempt a single dribble and lost the ball three times, which represented 25% of the balls that passed through his boots. In short, the player failed to make an impact or demonstrate his playing ability.
Matarazzo continues to look for ways to reactivate a player who, despite his potential, has lost his position as the undisputed starter. The idea of protecting Kubo from inside the field seems like a logical alternative, but the experience in Leuven did not live up to expectations. The Japanese needs to regain his form and confidence immediately if he wants to be a key piece in the team's scheme again.