Brighton & Hove Albion winger Kaoru Mitoma is likely one of the most fun gamers within the Premier League proper now, and one former team-mate stated his skillset to reach England’s high tier was apparent earlier than he had even made an look for the Seagulls.Â
Signed from Japanese facet Kawasaki Frontale in August 2021, Brighton & Hove Albion instantly loaned Mitoma out to Belgian outfit Union Saint-Gilloise.Â
Whereas Mitoma carried out nicely within the 2021/22 marketing campaign, it was future Brighton team-mate Denis Undav who actually stood out for Union, scoring 25 targets in whole as they challenged for the Belgian Professional League title. Brighton signed Undav that summer time for £6m, with Mitoma returning to the south coast facet following the conclusion of his mortgage spell.Â
Former Portsmouth defender Christian Burgess additionally fashioned a part of the Union group that season, and explains that whereas Brighton followers had been extra enthusiastic about Undav, he trusted the power of Mitoma would tear aside Premier League defences. He was proper.Â
“Mitoma’s tempo is so scary, then his calmness, Burgess tells FourFourTwo. “I bear in mind speaking to a pal, a Brighton fan who was enthusiastic about shopping for Deniz Undav from us, and saying, ‘Simply wait till you see Kaoru Mitoma.’Â
“I stated he ought to check out him for his fantasy group! I knew he might be profitable within the Premier League. I’m so satisfied for him, he’s a terrific lad.”
Burgess moved to Union SG in 2020, once they had been nonetheless within the second tier. Turning down a contract extension at Portsmouth proved troublesome for the centre-back, however he believes he definitely made the suitable profession determination.Â
“I’m valued much more over right here. I don’t know whether or not that’s as a result of I’m a foreigner or due to my performances. I used to be by no means settled underneath the supervisor at Portsmouth.Â
“I’ve taken on extra accountability right here and the best way we play could be very totally different. We play out from the again and it’s much more tactical. I’ve loved taking part in within the centre of a again three right here, and it’s allowed me to flourish.
“It feels increasingly more like house as time goes on. Brussels is a pleasant metropolis. There’s quite a lot of curiosity in Union’s rise, and Brussels is a hub of European politics, so that you do meet individuals from all around the world. I’m slowly choosing up on French, beginning to talk higher. I undoubtedly see a future right here.”
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