Mitoma: I showed what kind of player I am

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Japan international delighted fans on his Premier League debut on Saturday.

Charlie Hanson

2022-08-15T08:25:00Z

Kaoru Mitoma came on for his Premier League debut.

Kaoru Mitoma hopes to be able to get fans off their seats a lot more this season after his exciting Premier League debut against Newcastle United.

The 24-year-old immediately caught the eye when he came on for the final 20 minutes of the 0-0 draw, with a couple of thrilling runs down the wing.

Kaoru is pleased with his display and hopes to get more Premier League minutes in the coming weeks.

"I think I've taken the first step and was able to show the supporters what kind of player I am. I also proved to the head coach and coaches that I can play. Now I need to show the same kind of performance when I get more minutes.

"It was a game we could and should have won. Personally, I think I have to continue to play like this to earn the trust from my teammates.

"I wasn't nervous at all when I came on. I was focusing on myself, and not thinking too much about anything else. The atmosphere was very good, with great support from the fans. I felt comfortable and was highly motivated to play in front of them.”

He certainly impressed his head coach Graham Potter.

“He’s going to cause full-backs a problem, he’s got the ability to go by people,” Potter said after the game. “He’s quite unique and had a fantastic impact. We spoke about it before the game, it was going to be difficult for the entire 11 to carry on playing for the 90 minutes, so our subs and the impact they were going to have would be key for us, they did it well, but we couldn’t get the three points.

“He can mix it up, from the left centrally, he can come in on his right foot. So he’s a bit of a nightmare for defenders. I wouldn’t fancy playing against him, that’s for sure!”