Albion are ready to up the intensity in the coming season.

And man of the moment Kaoru Mitoma is among the players who will thrive.

That is the verdict from James Milner as he prepares for the second outing of the Japan trip.

Albion beat Kashima Antlers 5-1 on Wednesday and played some sparkling stuff going forward.

But their work off the ball also pleased those within the camp as they now look towards a game against Tokyo Verdy on Sunday.

Milner goes into his second Seagulls season with his second boss after Fabian Huerzeler succeeded Roberto De Zerbi.

The former Liverpool, Manchester City and England man said: “The manager plays a different style but he wants to keep the strengths we had before, which is very positive.

“I think there is going to be more intensity without the ball.

“We are going to defend a bit differently, which will take time but I think there was very good energy from the team on Wednesday.”

Mitoma has been the fans’ focus in Tokyo, which will continue to be the case in the coming days.

The trip gives him chance to get back up to speed after injury problems last season and Milner sees him making a strong return in the coming campaign.

He said: “Kaoru Mitoma will always be important to us.

“He is a top player, he creates a lot.

“It was difficult seeing him with the injury last year, he is a big player for us.

“We know his quality with the ball but I think today he was very impressive without the ball as well.

“He will be big for us. He is still getting his fitness but I think he will enjoy playing under the new manager.”