Roberto De Zerbi has set the bar high for Kaoru Mitoma – after the Japan winger signed a new deal.
Mitoma is now under contract with Albion until June, 2027.
De Zerbi has clear ideas on how he can up his game even further.
The head coach said: “Score 20, 25 goals, I think!
“Kaoru can improve when coming inside between the lines of the pitch.
“When he is wider, when he tries one-to-one or tries to attack the space, he is one of the best wingers in the world.
“I think his improvement is when he comes inside, when he receives the ball between the lines.
“He has to improve in body shape as the assist man and the last part of the pitch, to score more goals.
“He has the quality to score 20 goals.”
Mitoma is fit and ready for action after missing two Japan games over the last fortnight.
De Zerbi said: “He feels good. He had a small problem but now he is better.”
Pascal Gross is available after his trip to the USA for two friendlies with Germany, as is James Milner after a recent injury-enforced absence.
Tariq Lamptey and Pervis Estupinan are ruled out.
City go into the match after three defeats in their last four outings.
De Zerbi said: “It’s bad news! But we have to think for ourselves and to improve in the quality of play.”
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