(Reuters) - Kaoru Mitoma's pace and movement in the final third has been a breath of fresh air for Brighton & Hove Albion this season, but his skills on the ball come as no surprise with the Japanese winger having written a thesis in the art of dribbling.
Mitoma conducted his research while at the University of Tsukuba by strapping cameras to his team mates' heads to observe their reactions and field of vision when an attacking player received the ball.
With his close control, his acceleration with the ball and a unique ability to decelerate to a standstill almost at will, the 25-year-old once seen as a raw talent has mastered the art of dribbling in one of Europe's most physical leagues. 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.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 from then J-League champions Kawasaki Frontale.
Ever since Chelsea prised away Graham Potter and Brighton tied down wantaway midfielder Moises Caicedo to a long-term contract, Mitoma has arguably become one of their biggest assets alongside World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister.
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