David Villa gushes over Kyogo's Celtic impact as he tips former teammate to lead World Cup charge

David Villa says it won't be long before Japan win the World Cup if they keep producing players like Kyogo.

For the time being, though, the Spain legend says he's just buzzing to see his former teammate making a name for himself at Celtic.

The two hitmen were once a formidable pairing for Vissel Kobe scoring 25 J-League goals between them in 2019.

Since then Barcelona legend Villa has hung up his boots and is now head of Global Football Operations at Indian club Odisha FC.

Kyogo meanwhile has gone onto Celtic where he has become an instant hero.

Spain will play against Kyogo's Japan side in this year's World Cup in Qatar and Villa expects the Hoops ace to have a big impact both now and in the future.

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Villa said: "I am very happy that Kyogo Furuhashi has been a success at Celtic.

"It was important for him and other Japanese players to go overseas and experience a different style of football and lifestyle and learn new languages.

"His game has improved a lot already.

"I definitely believe it's possible that Japan will win the World Cup one day. I think the Japanese football authorities deserve great credit because they have got an environment now where they are producing top players.

"As well