Kaoru Mitoma close to breaking a Premier League record | OneFootball

Brighton and Hove Albion winger Kaoru Mitoma has emerged as one of the standout players so far this season since returning from his loan spell in Belgium with Union SG last year.

The 25-year-old is close to breaking the record for the most goals scored by a Japanese player in a single Premier League season.

Mitoma’s goal in Brighton’s 4-0 win versus West Ham United earlier this month tied his goal tally (six) level with Shinji Kagawa (12/13) and Shinji Okazaki (17/18).

The Japanese international will have the opportunity to surpass Kagawa and Okazaki on Wednesday night as Brighton host rivals Crystal Palace at the Amex Stadium.

Palace are still searching for their first win of 2023 and their position in the Premier League table is beginning to look threatening as the Eagles sit just five points off the drop zone.

Meanwhile, Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton look to continue their top six push as they trail three points behind Liverpool in sixth with two games in hand.

Mark Marston | Get Football