Kang In and Take Kubo set to meet again

Two of LaLiga's top Asian talents are set to meet again this weekend when Valencia CF face RCD Mallorca at Mestalla. Korean star Kang In and Japanese talent Take Kubo are both in contention for a role in the Matchday 3 game, but it would not be the first time that they had crossed paths.

Six years ago, the pair both participated in the Torneo Nacional Alevín, held at the Los Nuevos Cármenes stadium in Granada. Kang In was just 12 years old and had recently joined the VCF Academy, whilst Kubo was on the books at FC Barcelona and used as a striker.

Both players reached the final, in which they were standouts for their excellent performances, but it was FC Barcelona who would win the competition, 2-1.

Since then, Kang In has debuted for the Valencia CF first team and been awarded the Under-20s Golden Ball award for his showing in the Under-20s World Cup this past summer, whilst Take Kubo has represented Japan in the Copa America, been signed by Real Madrid and loaned out to Mallorca for this season.