'Nightmare for fullbacks' – Graham Potter delighted as £4.5m signing dazzles on debut against Newcastle

Graham Potter believes Japan international Kaoru Mitoma will be a pain for Premier League defenders this season.
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Mitoma, who signed last summer for £4.5m from Kawasaki Frontale, made his long-awaited home debut following his loan spell at Union SG.

The 25-year-old winger replaced the impressive Solly March on 75 minutes and produced a lively and encouraging display at the Amex Stadium.

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Mitoma showed an array of skills which suggested he could become a crowd favourite but even he just couldn’t conjure a breakthrough in an entertaining 0-0 draw against Magpies.

Kaoru Mitoma impressed after coming on as a second half substitute during Brighton's 0-0 draw with Newcastle United in the Premier LeagueKaoru Mitoma impressed after coming on as a second half substitute during Brighton's 0-0 draw with Newcastle United in the Premier League
Kaoru Mitoma impressed after coming on as a second half substitute during Brighton's 0-0 draw with Newcastle United in the Premier League

Potter said: He is going to cause full backs problems. He is unique and I said before it's impossible for the all the lads to play 90 minutes so the impact the subs were going to make was always going to be key for us.

“They did well but we couldn't get the three points. He can mix it up and he can play from the left centrally and cut in so he is a bit of a nightmare for defenders."