We're back in the swing of things post World Cup now, with Serie A getting back underway this week and teams scrapping left and right. We've already seen some big transfer action, with Ronaldo on the move, Liverpool going big... who will be next? We've got FA Cup, big matches in Serie A and La Liga, and a rising Japanese star who needs an introduction... Let's get into it.

Jersey giveaway is back! First person to 10 referrals gets a free 22/23 jersey of their choice! It's super simple-–each and every one of you has a personalized referral card (in red below). That link is yours to share with people you think might enjoy the newsletter. If they sign up through that link, you get a point on the board. All they have to do is enter their email! It's super easy and super free––don't miss out!

Let's get straight into it.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It):

What is going on at Liverpool?? They were beaten soundly at home by little Brentford Football Club. Even without star striker Ivan Toney, the Bees bagged three and took the spoils. Virgil van Dijk suffered an injury that appears serious––adding to an extensive list of important players on the sidelines––so it could be trouble ahead for Liverpool. Can Liverpool reach top four?

Honors even in the Derbi Barceloní, as Joselu's 73' penalty knotted up the game which ended 1-1. It was only Barcelona's sixth goal conceded the entire season, but the points dropped mean Real Madrid have come level on points atop La Liga.

Manchester City came to the Bridge and got the win, thanks to Riyad Mahrez's 63' minute winner. After Arsenal dropped points against a stout Newcastle, it brings City five points off top spot in the Premier League. Moreover, it's another poor result for Chelsea, who sit in 10th and have only won 1 of their last 9 games in the PL.

Serie A returned in style with a massive game between Inter and Napoli. It was 36 year old Edin Dzeko's goal that made the difference, as Inter handed Napoli their first loss of the season. Napoli still sit 5 points ahead in first.

Quiz Of The Week

Scoring his 15th Premier League goal of the season, Harry Kane is fast approaching 200 PL goals (198). There are two men above him in career PL goals, can you name them?

(Answer at the end of the letter)

Who is Kaoru Mitoma?

Just three years ago, Kaoru Mitoma was playing for the University of Tsukuba. Now, he's lighting up the Premier League. The Brighton winger and Japanese international has scored 3 in his last 4 in the Premier League, but where did he come from?

Kaoru Mitoma hails from Kanagawa, Japan, where he grew up in Kawasaki. He was noticed from a young age by local Kawasaki Frontale, but turned down a professional contract to instead attend university. Despite pursuing his education over going pro, his love for soccer remained tantamount. While majoring in physical education, he wrote his senior thesis on the art of dribbling, where he attached a GoPro to his head and analyzed the effectivity of his dribbling on his opponents; measuring what worked and how to replicate it.

With his talents unable to be hidden any longer, Mitoma finally went pro with Kawasaki Frontale in 2020––where he was the first rookie to net double-digit goals since Yoshinori Muto in 2014. Brighton & Hove Albion then signed Mitoma for just over 3 million dollars in 2021, loaning him initially to Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. He scored 7 goals in 27 appearances in 21/22, before joining back up with Brighton for the 22/23 season.

Mitoma showed flashes early on, making only substitute appearances for Brighton. On his August 13th debut against Newcastle, he got in for the last 15 minutes and completed two dribbles. He continued to make only appearances from the bench, but perhaps truly arrived on October 1st against Liverpool. Down 3-2, Mitoma made a carving run, picked up the ball and whipped in a peach for Leandro Trossard to finish. Since then, he has become a regular starter in the side––scoring 3 goals and logging 1 assist in his 5 starts. He's also represented his country at the World Cup, helping Japan become one of the stories of the tournament.

Perhaps Kaoru Mitoma is the product of dedication to one's craft. Since he's burst onto the scene, you'd be forgiven for thinking he's 18 years old. In fact, he's 25, but the road he's forged to get here has been patient and calculated. It takes courage and integrity to forgo the chance to go professional and instead go to university. But not every path is alike, and for Kaoru Mitoma, his path may not have lead him here.

The Games to Watch this Weekend...

Sunday –– 11:30 AM ET (FA CUP): Man City (-290) vs Chelsea (+650)

Sunday –– 2:45 PM ET: AC Milan (-125) vs Roma (+330)

Sunday –– 3 PM ET: Athletico Madrid (+205) vs Barcelona (+125)

Quiz Answer: Alan Shearer (260) and Wayne Rooney (208).

Please continue to spread the word and the Straight Red love!