France defeated Japan 2-1 in their Group E game of the 2017 FIFA World Cup to book a spot in the next round with a game to go. However, there was high praise from France's Yacine Adli for former La Masia forward Takefusa Kubo after the game.
The PSG II midfielder, who idolises current Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane spoke about his Japanese counterpart Takefusa Kubo who was with the Blaugrana for three years until the Catalan giants were hit by a transfer ban in April 2014.
"Kubo is a really good player. I hope he gets to join back Barcelona when he turns 18 next year," said the 17-year-old. The bromance between both players was pretty evident after Adli admitted to sending good wishes to Kubo after the match despite Adli's current club PSG involved in a sticky war of words with Barcelona in recent times given the record-breaking transfer of Neymar to the French capital.
Touted as the Japanese Messi, Kubo scored a goal and set up two more in Japan's 6-1 thrashing of Honduras in the first round but failed to inspire his teammates against France.
Adli, on the other hand, has already recorded four assists in the last two games and has proved to be pivotal in Lionel Rouxel's scheme of things in attack.
"Both the matches were good for us, but our ultimate aim is to be there in Kolkata on 28 October and lift the title," said Adli who is known as the Adrien Rabiot doppelganger in the PSG ranks given his stark similarity in height and his curly hairstyle.
"We have great spirit and a way of living together. We work collectively for the team and our coach cut our tasks for each game", added the right-footer.
France, who registered a 7-1 win over U17 World Cup debutants New Caledonia in their first game, will play Honduras in their final group game at the same venue on Saturday.
