Kaoru Mitoma knows that Japan fans will want to see him hit the same levels for his country as he does for Albion.
The 25-year-old heads into the international break in sizzling form, having scored six goals and created four assists in his 20 Premier League appearances so far this campaign.
This, like the rest of the teams that competed at the winter tournament, will mark the first time Japan have played since the World Cup. They take on Uruguay on Friday and Colombia next Tuesday (28th).
“If I can’t do what I’m doing here, the people will be disappointed so it’s a difficult thing,” Mitoma said. “I have to keep on playing the same. A good player is someone who always brings a good result and that is what they [the fans] expect from me.
“I'm happy to hear that I will be getting that much attention. But it means I have to show a performance that deserves it. I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do under such expectation and I will try not to disappoint them.
“I know they will pay a lot of attention on us. Playing a great first match will be important for our football in the future, so that’s also our mission.”
Kaoru will no doubt be hoping for similar passes that he receives when in an Albion shirt. The winger can often be found looking to get in behind from a Lewis Dunk pass, something he says he discusses with his teammates.
“We are talking among the players,” Kaoru added. “When Dunky has the ball at his feet I have to run into a certain area, looking also at the positions of the striker and the opponents.
“That’s what is expected from me, and I have to do it more often. And I know also that by continuing to play like that, the opponents will become exhausted and collapse. It is also necessary that I keep on running throughout the game. That is one of the things that I have to do for the team.”