Brighton and Hove Albion sensation Kaoru Mitoma has hailed Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold as one of the toughest opponents he has come up against during his time in the Premier League.
Liverpool have experienced little joy on either of their trips to the South Coast this year. Jurgen Klopp described 3-0 humbling at the hands of the Seagulls last month as the "worst" moment of his managerial career. And, while despite seeing his side produce a better performance just two weeks later, Mitoma's stoppage-time goal earned Brighton a 2-1 win and ended the Reds' reign as holders of the FA Cup.
Alexander-Arnold was singled out for his display against the Japanese forward during the Premier League contest and questions were later asked about defensive capabilities. However, Mitoma has rebuffed such suggestions and labelled the Liverpool right-back as one of the most challenging opponents he has faced since moving to the Amex from J-League side Kawasaki Frontale in 2021.
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"Well, before coming overseas I was in Japan so it would be players from Meiji University such as Keigo Tsunemoto and Hotaka Nakamura (FC Tokyo)," said the 25-year-old when asked to rank his defensive counterparts he has faced during his professional career. "Because I’ve played against them often, they know the features of my play well and I was stopped many times.
"When it comes to foreign players, I got past Trent Alexander-Arnold once but soon after that when I was blocked by him, his arms were strong. People tend to think that his defending seems weak but he is totally strong, from what I’ve felt in person."
Having spent last season on loan at Union SG in Belgium, Mitoma has been one of the stars of Brighton's season, contributing seven goals in 20 games.
After having manager Graham Potter poached by Chelsea in September, Roberto de Zerbi has overseen the Seagulls' remarkable rise up the table, where they currently sit in sixth place - five points ahead of Liverpool - with Mitoma playing an instrumental role.
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