'Just give me the gel' - Kiko goes to the limit to help Albion

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Bruce Talbot

2026-04-04T06:00+01:00

Delight for Kiko Seike after she scored her tenth goal of the season in last Sunday's win over Leicester City. 📷Kyle Hemsley

Head coach Dario Vidosic has singled out top scorer Kiko Seike as the embodiment of the Albion's growing 'will to win' ahead of Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal.

The Japanese forward has been in scintillating form this season, flourishing in a variety of attacking roles. Whether deployed on the wing or as false nine she has become the focal point of the Seagulls’ attack.

Vidosic attributes her clinical edge to a combination of tactical intelligence and a year of adaptation to the English game.

"I think it’s just confidence. She’s growing, learning, and understanding the experience of last year," Vidosic said. "Now in her second year, she’s familiar with her teammates and the opponents. She’s just got that eye for goal. She’s always in the right areas, making good runs, and putting herself in good positions."

It isn't just Seike's technical ability that has impressed her manager, but her physical resilience.

Following a grueling international break, when she scored four goals to help Japan win the Asian Cup in Australia and a long-haul flight, Seike insisted on playing through fatigue in last Sunday's 1-0 win against Leicester City when she scored her tenth goal of the season.

Vidosic added: "Her and Moeka (Minami) were both cramping towards the end. When I asked if they were okay, they just said, ‘Just give me the gel.’ That encapsulated the mindset of the team - they were out there no matter what. To show that commitment after a long, successful tournament and a very long flight back was special - and they both played very, very well."

Seike’s versatility has been vital this season. Vidosic believes her ability to find space, regardless of her starting position, may be the key to unlocking an Arsenal defence that remains one of the best in the WSL. With Rosa Kafaji ineligible to play against her parent club on Sunday, she may have a more central attacking role.

"Even from the right wing, she’s in the box," Vidosic said. "When you get yourself in good areas, then normally good things tend to happen. We’ve seen a little bit [of Arsenal] where we think we can hurt them, but we have to be good in both boxes to have a chance."