The 26-year-old winger scored ten goals and eight assists during his first season wearing Brighton colors but says he wants to improve ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Despite scoring 10 goals and providing eight assists in his first season at the top of English football, Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma is still unhappy with his goal-scoring output.
The Japanese international joined Albion in the summer of 2021 but spent last season on loan at Union SG in Belgium before making his Premier League debut against Newcastle last August in a goalless draw.
He quickly established himself as a key player for Brighton under Roberto De Zerbi, particularly after the January sale of Leandro Trossard to Arsenal, which gave him sole possession of the left midfield position.
Mitoma started 22 of the possible 24 Premier League games when football returned from the World Cup break on Boxing Day, coming off the bench in the other two as Brighton finished sixth and qualified for next season’s Europa League.
Mitoma’s attacking output in the early months after the season resumed was by far his best, with the 26-year-old scoring eight goals and assisting six in 17 Premier League and FA Cup games. Then there was a drop in his numbers, with one goal in his final 12 appearances, which Mitoma pointed out as a criticism of his first season in Brighton colors.
“This season, I think I could have done much better – especially in the latter part of the season when I couldn’t register as many goals or assists,” he said in an interview on the Albion website. I believe I must delve deeply into those memories.”
Despite this, Mitoma says he now wants to push on and improve for next season, having previously stated his desire to “take things up a level physically” by the time he returns to Brighton.
That should serve as a warning to Albion’s Premier League rivals, including Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, both of whom failed to qualify for European football this season and will be desperate to replace the Seagulls in the top seven next season.
“The fact that I was able to play many games consistently during my first season was a plus.” It was also fortunate that I did not sustain a major injury,” Mitoma added. “However, I need to improve the quality of my play or the next season will be difficult.”
While the futures of some of Brighton’s other stars, including Alexis MacAllister and Moises Caicedo, continue to make headlines, Mitoma says he is enjoying life on the south coast and has plans with the Seagulls for next season.
“The city has a good climate, and the sea is close by, so it’s a really good place to live,” he said. Both at home and away, our fans scream their support for us. They are truly exceptional supporters, and I feel genuine warmth from them.
“The people behind the scenes are also nice; I’m very happy here.” I’ve gained valuable experience while adjusting to my new surroundings and am looking forward to performing even better next season.”
