After making his first Premier League appearance since recovering from a back injury in February, Kaoru Mitoma took no time at all in reminding people why he is one of the most exciting wingers in the league.
The Japanese attacker marked his return with a superb performance, scoring the opening goal in Brighton & Hove Albion's 3-0 win against Everton at Goodison Park.
Alan Shearer, the Premier League's record goalscorer and Hall of Fame inductee, said that Everton couldn't handle him all afternoon and as such has named him in his first Team of the Week for 2024/25.
![Matchweek 1 Team of the Week](https://resources.premierleague.com/photos/2024/08/20/ab9ac569-a040-438a-a7c8-fbb15fd96281/WhatsApp-Image-2024-08-20-at-12.13.49.jpeg?width=1400&height=800)
Nick Pope (Newcastle)
"Made a few superb saves and commanded his penalty area when Newcastle were under a lot of pressure from Southampton."
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
"A masterclass in passing and crossing. Should have got at least one assist against Ipswich."
Ruben Dias (Man City)
"Produced a dominant performance in the heart of Man City's defence. Kept Chelsea's forwards quiet all afternoon."
Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton)
"Everton's attackers had no joy on Van Hecke's side. He kept a clean sheet, made two excellent tackles and completed 81 of 87 passes."
Rico Lewis (Man City)
"Lewis performed admirably in the absence of Kyle Walker. Kept Christopher Nkunku quiet, prevented an equaliser and inverted superbly to support City in attack."
Joelinton (Newcastle)
"Delivered a towering midfield display and scored the winning goal for a Newcastle team down to 10 men."
Amadou Onana (Aston Villa)
"What a way to start his Villa career! He got a debut goal and was too much for West Ham's midfield to handle."
Mateo Kovacic (Man City)
"Bossed the midfield against former club Chelsea and finished an excellent afternoon with a wonderful goal."
Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton)
"Back with a bang! Everton couldn't handle his skill or work-rate in his first PL match since February"
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
"New haircut, same old Salah! One goal, one assist and yet another excellent display for Liverpool."
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
"A goal and an assist. Outstanding for Arsenal. Could reach 20 Premier League goals this season."
Manager: Fabian Hurzeler (Brighton)
"What a way to mark your managerial debut in the Premier League! Masterminded a 3-0 win at Everton. His Brighton team could have won by more."