Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma is having a standout year, the Japanese winger has 7 goals and 2 assists in 20 appearances for the Seagulls so far this season including a staggering five goals and 2 assists in his last seven outings for Robert De Zerbi’s side.
Mitoma, 25 is right-footed and operates as predominantly a left-winger or left-midfielder as Brighton set up in a 3-4-2-1. The Japanese winger has completed the second most dribbles per match this season with only Said Benrahma of West Ham having completed more. Mitoma amazingly graduated the University of Tsukuba by writing a thesis on the art of dribbling. The winger interestingly involved small cameras to the head’s of fellow teammates and analysed the effectiveness in which better dribblers excelled. Brighton signed Mitoma him in August 2021, for around £2.5 million, and instantly loaned him to Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in the Belgian Pro League. By being loaned out, Mitoma learnt valuable experience by adapting to the physicality of European football and it set him in good stead for his recall back to Brighton.
Mitoma’s explosiveness, directness and commitment to attacking his defender in 1v1 duels make him a fascinating option for Manchester City this summer if they fail to acquire one of Rafael Leao or Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. With big money sales already happening for full-back Marc Cucurella last summer, and an offer of up to £70 million being rejected for Moises Caicedo in the recent January transfer window any attempt to sign Mitoma will be costly, but with the 25-year-old’s current trajectory it may prove good value for money.