Mitoma: We start again from zero

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We kick off our Premier League campaign on Saturday against Luton Town.

Charlie Hanson

2023-08-10T06:00:00Z

Kaoru will be looking to build on a fantastic first season in the Premier League.

Kaoru Mitoma says a mix of the expectations on his shoulders and new summer signings means there’s a lot more pressure on him to be at his best this coming campaign.

The Japan international was a standout performer for us last season as we recorded our best ever top-flight finish, being credited with six goals and seven assists in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old says last season’s form counts for little though and he needs to prove himself again this year.

Kaoru Mitoma made 41 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring ten goals.

“I know I have to lead the team with my play. I’m playing in a position where I have to deliver. How I will be rated in every match will be important.

“New players have come in and a new competition will start. We start again from zero.

“It’s the same as the beginning of last season – I had to prove myself and establish myself. It was no different, but the demand is even higher. So, I have to deliver to respond to those demands.”

Kaoru also expects Albion’s approach to be different on the pitch after having the full summer to work with Roberto De Zerbi, as well as the departure and arrival of players.

The winger was a part of our Premier League Summer Series squad, visiting the New York Mets during our time in the States.

“The positioning is different both in defence and attack now, as they [the new signings] have different characteristics [to the players that have left]. I have to try to let them show their best abilities while I try to show it myself. There is still some things we need to improve, so we want to work on it in the last preparation week.

“New players have arrived and they have their own characteristics. We will play thinking about how we want to play together, how we want to receive the ball.

“If we can use their abilities in the best way, we will be able to play even better than the last year, I think. The team will get better as the time goes by.”