'Someone just showed me' - Stunning Kaoru Mitoma volley draws comparison to Marco van Basten

The Brighton and Hove Albion head coach watched on from the stands as the Japan international – who replaced the injured Diego Gomez – levelled the scoring on the stroke of half-time, on Saturday (April 18).

Pascal Gross provided the assist, with a superb cross to the back post, but Mitoma still had a lot to do. The classy winger instinctively hit it first-time into the roof of the net.

In his post-match press conference, Hurzeler drew comparisons to an infamous goal from the EURO 1988 final – between the Netherlands and the Soviet Union.

"Someone just showed me that Marco van Basten scored a similar goal,” Hurzeler said.

The Albion manager, 33, was born five years after the iconic goal was scored.

"I'm young, but now I can remember how brilliant this goal was,” he said.

"Therefore, I think everyone who plays football understands how difficult it is to finish like this. Therefore, we know that Kaoru Mitoma is a key player for us."

The Albion boss also highlighted the broader impact of his substitutions, with several players contributing to a strong second-half display.

"I think in general, our subs made a big difference today,” he said.

"Not only Kaoru, but also Babis [Kostoulas], also Maxim [De Cuyper], also [Georginio] Rutter and Matt O’Riley. They showed really good reactions.

"They brought in a lot of energy, a lot of positivity and that's what we need as a team."

Mitoma did have to be substituted himself in the closing stages, after appearing to suffer an injury. Hurzeler has not yet commented on the nature of the problem.

Your next Albion read: Brighton record signing makes 'difficult' admission after late heroics at Tottenham