Kaoru Mitoma says he isn’t satisfied with breaking the record for the most goals scored by a Japanese player in a Premier League season.
The 25-year-old netted his seventh of the campaign in Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Brentford, putting him ahead of Shinji Kagawa (Manchester United in 2012/13) and Shinji Okazaki (Leicester City in 2017/18) who previously held the record with six.
“It’s good that I was able to surpass that, but I think I can still go further,” Kaoru said. “There are still a lot of matches left and the most important thing for me is to contribute to the team’s victory.
“It would be nice to reach double figures in the Premier League, but it would only be the consequence of taking the games one by one. I don’t think about such a thing as records during matches.
“The best thing is to score goals to contribute to the team’s victory and help us go up in the league table.”
The Japan international explained that goals should be expected from him, as well as team-mate Solly March, because of the roles they have within the side.
“This is a team in which the wingers play prominent roles. That’s what is expected from me and Solly. I think I’m achieving at least the minimum of what is expected. The more I score the more I can gain trust, so I would like to continue like this.”
Kaoru thinks that’s more than possible because of the way Albion play out from the back.
“This team’s build-up from the back is one of the best in the world. I feel we are really good to watch. Thanks to that, good passes are delivered in front of me.”