Kaoru Mitoma Masters the Art of Dribbling to Lead Brighton Charge

Kaoru Mitoma’s tempo and motion in the last third has been a breath of contemporary air for Brighton & Hove Albion this season, however his expertise on the ball come as no shock with the Japanese winger having written a thesis in the artwork of dribbling.

Mitoma carried out his analysis whereas at the University of Tsukuba by strapping cameras to his workforce mates’ heads to observe their reactions and discipline of imaginative and prescient when an attacking participant obtained the ball.

Armed with a bodily training diploma, he then examined his theories on the pitch to change into one of the J League’s greatest gamers earlier than shifting to Europe.

Mitoma has since been education Premier League defenders after breaking into the first workforce, a blue-white blur who virtually makes time stand nonetheless when he cuts into the field as opponents second guess his subsequent transfer.

With his shut management, his acceleration with the ball and a singular capability to decelerate to a standstill virtually at will, the 25-year-old as soon as seen as a uncooked expertise has mastered the artwork of dribbling in a single of Europe’s most bodily leagues.

“I’m acutely aware of shifting the opponent’s centre of gravity. If I can transfer the opponent’s physique, I win,” Mitoma had said.

Little was known of Mitoma until he burst on to the scene at the World Cup where he assisted the winner in Japan’s famous victory over Spain with an almighty stretch and cutback when the ball was millimetres from going out.

Having played 90 minutes for Brighton only once before his adventures in Qatar, Mitoma is now one of the first names on the team sheet after Roberto De Zerbi took charge and Leandro Trossard was shipped to Arsenal.

DEBUT SEASON

Nine goals and four assists in 18 starts in his debut season is more than Brighton could have hoped for after the south-coast club signed him for 2.5 million pounds ($3.04 million) from then J-League champions Kawasaki Frontale.

He netted in three games in a row at one stage — including an audacious winner that knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup — while he has either scored or assisted a goal in his last five appearances in all competitions.

“Mitoma is a crucial part of the team for us because one-against-one in the last 25 metres, he’s one of the most important players,” De Zerbi stated.

Ever since Chelsea prised away Graham Potter and Brighton tied down wantaway midfielder Moises Caicedo to a long-term contract, Mitoma has arguably change into one of their largest property alongside World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister.

But De Zerbi has no intention of shedding a valuable gem with Brighton doubtlessly enjoying in Europe for the first time subsequent season.

The Seagulls are seventh in the league with video games in hand whereas additionally they progressed to the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

“For him it’s the first 12 months in the Premier League, it’s necessary for us. But additionally, it’s necessary for him to play one other 12 months with us,” De Zerbi added.

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