Kaoru Mitoma has made clear the connection between his thesis from college and his method of play, which leaves defenders for dead.
Under Italian manager Roberto De Zerbi, the Japanese player has emerged as a revelation because of his speed and cunning, which allow him cause issues for opposition defenders.
He has among of the Premier League’s top dribbling skills. He has triumphed over defenders like Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea, Ben White of Arsenal, and Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool.
According to Athletic UK, the 25-year-old rejected a professional contract at 19 to study Physical Education at the University of Tsukuba and wrote his final thesis on dribbling.
Mitoma clarifies university thesis
The Japan international has demystified his thesis claiming it has nothing to do with his style of play. It is exaggerated, and he only chose it because it was easier.
”I can say the thesis has almost nothing to do with my current playing style,” he told ESPN UK. ”I chose the theme because it would be easy for me to write about. I simply needed to finish my degree. I think it’s been focused on more in Japan and exaggerated so far.”
He explained how he gets the better of opponents and how his quick decision-making and judgment boosts his success rate.
”I look at the opponent’s centre of gravity, posture, body movement, and then I think about my options, but even in a one-on-one situation, if I see the pass is a better option, then I will pass the ball to a teammate,” he said.
Mitoma falls short against Wan-Bissaka
The pacy winger was not up to par when Brighton faced Manchester United yesterday in the semi-final of the FA Cup at Wembley.
Mitoma struggled to get the better of United’s right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka which moved English midfielder James Maddison to praise Bissaka as the best in the world.
The Japanese attempted three dribbles against the England defender of international descent, rated as the best one-on-one defender in football, and had zero success rate.