Barcelona's first Japanese player is catching the eye.

Eleven year-old Takefusa Kubo, who has been likened to Lionel Messi in Japan, is starring for Barca's Alevín C.

Kubo was identified by Barca coaching staff while playing and training with Barcelona School of Fukuoka in southern Japan. He is now in his first season in Europe and was awarded Most Valuable Player in a youth tournament in Belgium.