Brighton Manager Roberto De Zerbi expressed his excitement and praise for Kaoru Mitoma, following the player’s decision to extend his contract with the club. Despite interest from Barcelona, Mitoma committed to a new four-year deal that will keep him at Brighton until 2027.
De Zerbi, in his pre-match press conference ahead of Brighton’s game against Manchester City, spoke highly of Mitoma’s abilities, stating that he is one of the best players in the team. The Italian coach also mentioned his conversation with Mitoma about his potential at Brighton, jokingly suggesting that he should aim to score 20-25 goals.
De Zerbi believes that Mitoma’s strengths lie in his ability to come inside and find space between the lines of the pitch. While he praises Mitoma as one of the best wingers in the world when attacking in wider areas and taking on defenders one-on-one, he recognizes that the player can further improve by utilizing his skills in central positions and becoming more effective in the final third.
The manager is confident in Mitoma’s ability to score goals and believes he has the potential to reach the 20-goal mark. Mitoma’s fitness was also addressed, with De Zerbi confirming that he is ready to play against Manchester City, having recovered from a minor issue that caused him to miss Japan’s recent friendly matches.
Overall, De Zerbi’s admiration for Mitoma’s talent and his belief in the player’s capabilities demonstrate the club’s confidence in the winger and their commitment to his development.
