'Everything is possible' - Starring Brighton loanee capable of winning games

The Japanese international scored a decisive brace for his nation to send them to the World Cup finals in Qatar later this year.

Speaking about the result, he said: "I haven't played much in this qualifying campaign, but we've reached this point because of what my seniors and all the other players have done.

"I think this win was a result of everyone's efforts."

The 24-year-old signed for Albion in August 2021 from the Japanese club Kawasaki Front, and fans are still yet to see him play in person, but with his performances this season, there is plenty to be excited about.

Mitoma has been on loan at Union SG and after adapting to the Jupiler Pro League he has started to be a difference-maker for the side. So far this season, he has made 19 appearances in the league scoring five goals and assisting three more.

The Japanese international also netted in the domestic cup in Belgium this season.

Mitoma's stats in all competitions for Union SG this season

Belgian football journalist Thomas Cami told The Argus: "He's doing really well at Union.

"When he arrived, he needed some time to adapt as he only spoke Japanese so he took English lessons to be able to communicate better with his teammates and the staff.

"But after some good games as a substitute, he became an important starter for Union.

"During the winter break, he got injured on his ankle in a friendly game, and since then he only started one game.

"But still, as a substitute, he's able to make the difference. When he plays, everyone knows that everything is possible. "

Mitoma's brace against Australia and former Albion goalkeeper Maty Ryan came after he had entered the pitch as a late substitute, the impact he had off the bench does not come as a surprise to Cami.

He said: "Not at all, he already showed that he's a really good substitute at Union.

"This season against Seraing for example, Union were 0-2 down at half-time and they only had 10 players left on the field, but then Mitoma entered.

Mitoma scored a hattrick to win Union SG the match against Seraing

"He scored a hattrick, and Union won 4-2. That was really phenomenal. His speed and dribbling can really make the difference in difficult games."

Mitoma is traditionally an attacking player, but he has the mental attitude and ability to be able to fill in at wing-back. This will be a benefit for Albion boss Graham Potter as having competitive depth to support Tariq Lamptey and Marc Cucurella will help the team.

Cami said: "As mentioned above, he is really fast and good at dribbling. His finishing is also quite good, so what else do you need from a wingback?

"He's also not opposed to doing some defensive work, even though that isn't his favourite task."

Cami does believe that Mitoma will be a success in the Premier League when he links up with Albion, even though the quality difference between the Belgian league and England's top division is very large.

He said: "I think it might work out for him in the Premier League.

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"He already showed some really good things at Union SG, but of course, the Premier League is from a whole other level.

"I think he'll have to do the same at Brighton then he did at Union SG, start as a substitute, make an impression when he enters and finally get his space in the starting eleven.

"But of course, that won't be easy."

Mitoma should be able to secure his work permit to play in the UK as he has started to play for his national side, having made two appearances for Japan.

For the rest of the season, Mitoma will be focused on winning the Belgian top division alongside fellow Albion loanees Deniz Undav and Kacper Kozlowski.

The subsequent duo signed for the Seagulls in January but agreed to spend the rest of the season on loan until the summer.