The Mitoma factor: Japanese grace in the English Premier League

Only a few players can perplex a defender by explaining how they did it. However, Kaoru Mitoma, Brighton's talent and Japan's treasure, could. A former physical education student at Tsukuba University, he wrote about dribbling and, using a GoPro attached to his head, studied how to outmaneuver opponents while controlling the ball. In collaboration with experts from top10casinosguide.com, specialists in football betting, we have analyzed the Japanese player's introduction to the English Premier League. Brighton Winger Kaoru Mitoma has continued to terrorize EPL defenders since his debut.

History of transfer to Brighton

Kaoru Mitoma's journey to becoming a Premier League star was intricate. The attacker, born in 1997, started his career with the youth team at the local J-League club Kawasaki Frontale, near Tokyo, Yokohama. However, upon finishing high school at 18, he did not join Kawasaki's senior team. Instead, he enrolled at Tsukuba University, renowned for its robust football program, to enhance some skills, believing he needed additional playing time.

His decision paid off when he agreed to join Kawasaki. Kaoru won the J1 league before moving to Brighton. Then, in August 2021, Brighton & Hove Albion came calling. The Seagulls offered him a £2.5 million deal, subsequently loaning him to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium for a season. At that time, Mitoma was concluding his time with the Tokyo Olympics host nation's squad at the age of 24.

Brighton's chairman, Tony Bloom, also the majority shareholder of Saint-Gilloise, expressed full excitement about the transfer. Mitoma showcased exceptional performance in the Japanese league over a couple of campaigns. In response, Brighton selected a loan to accelerate the transition into European football within a new environment. Mitoma directed all efforts toward improving physical strength to make a significant impact after some time in Belgium.

After a year-long loan spell, Mitoma returned, making his Premier League debut as a substitute in a goalless draw against Newcastle United.

The role of the Japanese in De Zerbi's team

Kaoru Mitoma's top-rated coach, Roberto De Zerbi, teaches him every detail about the playing strategy. The manager, who loves maintaining possession while winning matches, considers the playmaker an indispensable member of the winning XI. De Zerbi allows the Japanese player to perform at full strength, demanding more from him every week. This kindles a burning desire for growth within the player's heart.

Brighton Winger Kaoru Mitoma pushes the ball forward, using take-on speed. De Zerbi also trusts the Japan International's ability to make runs up front. Often, you'll find him creating chances while also netting some himself.

Mitoma's magic in the match against Bournemouth

Brighton Winger Kaoru Mitoma, renowned for his dribbling skills, has certainly been making waves in the Premier League, with a notable instance of disrupting Bournemouth's defenders. It's particularly interesting given that Mitoma, instead of jumping straight into a professional career, opted to delay it to hone his skills.

Mitoma's showcase at the Amex Stadium was nothing short of spectacular. Within just 16 seconds of entering the game in the second half, he scored a goal. This wasn't just a regular score; it became notable as:

Mitoma's Remarkable Goal:

- Timing: 16 seconds into the second half

- Significance: Quickest goal by a substitute in nearly nine years in the Premier League

- Previous Record: Sammy Ameobi scoring 8 seconds into the second half in October 2014, playing for Newcastle United against Spurs

His prowess was not limited to this instance. In the 77th minute, Mitoma further showcased his talent by scoring a header, transforming a 1-1 tie into a pathway towards a 3-1 victory for Roberto De Zerbi's team. Week by week, "Magical Mitoma" continues to validate how significantly he has impacted English football, demonstrating a harmonious blend of strategic delay and explosive on-field performance when it counts the most.

Can Brighton get into the top four?

Brighton performed well last season, taking sixth place in the domestic league. Firstly, this got them into European competition. However, this first game didn't go as planned, as AEK Athens thrashed them 3-2 during the Europa League group stage.

After Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea knocked them out of the Carabao Cup last Wednesday, Brighton & Hove Albion will visit Villa Park in an EPL matchup this Saturday. Japanese betting companies have offered tempting 2.60 soccer betting (サッカーベッティング) odds in favor of a significant victory against Aston Villa. Additionally, bookmakers have set the odds at 2.40, anticipating a comfortable victory.

However, the Seagulls' EPL present form is quite impressive. They've managed five wins within six matches, taking 3rd position on the premier league table. So far, they have also scored 18 goals — the highest recorded among any EPL team during the 2023/2024 campaign.

This underscores the Mitoma-led attacking strength, securing a spot during the upcoming Champions League season. Despite the challenges ahead, Brighton is a worthy team in achieving a top-four finish.

Rumors about the future transfer of the Japanese star

Brighton Winger Kaoru Mitoma, aged 26, has been turning heads with his stellar performance in the 2022/23 campaign, prompting interest from various teams. Mitoma, a noteworthy discovery obtained from J1 league champions Kawasaki Frontale in 2021, showcased his skillset across 41 games in all competitions during the campaign, scoring ten goals and providing eight assists. His contributions were pivotal in propelling Brighton into European football.

Mitoma's 2022/23 Season Stats:

- Total Games: 41

- Goals scored: 10

- Assists: 8 

Chelsea and the Gunners (Arsenal) have expressed interest in Mitoma, eyeing him as a potential recruit for their squads in West London. Chelsea perceives him as a backup for the Ukrainian talent, Mykhailo Mudryk, given that they already have four ex-Brighton players in their lineup. On the other hand, Arsenal envisions him competing on the left-wing, potentially alongside former teammates like Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.

Brighton has experienced interest from English clubs in their players previously. CEO Paul Barber, and Coach Roberto De Zerbi, have navigated through such scenarios, with Barber declining offers in the summer and De Zerbi expressing a desire to retain Mitoma for at least another year. Brighton maintains a keen eye for new talent, especially when other teams express interest in their players, which possibly influenced the decision to sign João Pedro from Watford this summer.

Bottom line

Roberto De Zerbi's team has performed well recently, and Kaoru Mitoma has played a pivotal role.