"That's why they're not performing at their best level": Ex-Real Madrid star Take Kubo explains former club's poor start in La Liga

Former Real Madrid player Takefusa Kubo has given his opinion as to why Real Madrid have made a slow start in the league this season. Although they are undefeated in the league so far, they have dropped points in both of their away games.

With eight points in four matches, they trail rivals Barcelona by four points already in the La Liga table. Real Sociedad are Carlo Ancelotti's side's next opponents, where they will go up against a familiar face in Takefusa Kubo.

The Japan international was signed by Real Madrid as an 18-year-old in 2019 on a five-year deal. Kubo, however, failed to break into the senior team in Madrid and after loan spells at Mallorca, Valencia, and Getafe, was eventually sold to Real Sociedad in 2022.

The 23-year-old has established himself with the club and is one of the first names on the teamsheet. Ahead of this weekend's clash against his former side, MARCA quoted him assessing Carlo Ancelotti's side. He spoke about the similarities between their forwards, which is holding them back.

"I think Real Madrid's 3 attacking players all play the same position, and that's why they're not performing at their best level," Kubo said.

Real Madrid travel to Real Sociedad for their La Liga match on Saturday, September 14, looking for their first away win of the season.

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Kubo reveals new Real Madrid signing Kylian Mbappe's best position

The Japanese also gave his opinion on the Spanish giants' new signing Kylian Mbappe. The former Paris Saint-Germain star signed for the 15-time European champions in the summer after a long drawn-out transfer saga.

He started the season well, scoring and winning a trophy on his debut, beating Atalanta 2-0 in the UEFA Super Cup. In the league, however, he took time to get started.

He blanked in the first three games as the club managed a solitary win and two draws to start their La Liga campaign. He, however, scored both goals in Madrid's 2-0 win against Real Betis to get his first league goals of the season ahead of the international break.

Mbappe's slow start to the league can be attributed to him playing as a no. 9 according to Kubo.

"We suffer a lot more with him on the wing than at centre-forward, at the moment in La Liga I think the same thing is happening and hopefully things don’t work out for him tomorrow against us," Kubo said.

"The best thing for us is that he doesn’t play on the wing because there I see him as almost unstoppable," the Japanese added.

Mbappe failed to score for France in their UEFA Nations League matches as well during the international break.