Milner full of praise for Mitoma

James Milner reckons Kaoru Mitoma is ‘top level’ after playing alongside the winger in our 2-0 win over Ajax on Thursday.

Filling in at left-back with Pervis Estupinan, Tariq Lamptey and Solly March all injured, Milner got a front-row seat for another fine performance from his Japanese teammate.

“He’s top level, the way he watches the defenders and reacts to that, the way he dribbles, he’s a very clever player, very sharp and he’s an important player for us for sure,” Milner said.

Milner more than played his part though as Albion kept a first clean sheet of the season.

“We played well, kept the ball well and can still improve which is the pleasing thing. It was nice to get a clean sheet finally this season.

“We’ve played well in other games and just had one lapse and conceded a goal so it was great to get the clean sheet.”

The former Leeds United, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool man has been impressed by the group he’s found himself a part of this season after joining from the Reds in the summer, and believes that it played a key role in our first win in the Europa League.

“It’s a fantastic group of lads, a great dressing room with a great team spirit and people who are desperate to work hard together. You could see that on Thursday night.

“The boys at the front set the tempo and worked really hard, right through to [Jason] Steele at the back. It’s a collective team effort with some very good individual talent as well.

“Obviously the football club has done some great scouting with the signings they’ve made. You look at Evan Ferguson and the younger guys coming through, there’s so much talent in the ranks and hopefully we can keep improving as a team.”