Doan Ritsu shined brightly last weekend during Brighton's emphatic 3-0 victory over their opponents, marking one of the standout performances of the season. The young Japanese forward scored twice, demonstrating not just his skills, but his growing importance to the team as they climb the ranks of the Premier League.
It was the 76th minute when Doan made his first mark on the match. Following his effective pressing, he seized the opportunity to intercept the ball and then swiftly moved forward. He received a well-placed sideways pass and, with finesse, slotted the ball smoothly past the onrushing goalkeeper and inside the right post, delighting the home fans. Reflecting on the goal later, Doan remarked, “I thought it would go through if I aimed between his legs. It ended up being much more than simple.” The score brought his tally to seven goals for the season, showcasing his steady progression and consistency on the pitch.
His contributions didn’t stop there. Just minutes later during stoppage time, Doan was quick to respond as fellow substitute Jan-Niklas Beste broke down the left flank. Doan’s remarkable pace saw him dart across the field, where he met Beste's precise cross, converting it effortlessly with his right foot for his second goal of the match. "It was my first time scoring twice in one match since coming overseas," Doan expressed. He credited his teammates for the play, saying, “The last ten minutes aren’t exactly bonus time, but I knew if I outpaced the defenders, the chances would open up.”
Though the match saw Brighton take the lead early with two goals from set-pieces, the ensuing minutes were filled with pressure from their opponents. Doan had to switch to defense, marking the wing-backs of the opposition, emphasizing the physical demands placed on him. Nevertheless, he maintained his attacking instincts, tirelessly sprinting on and off the ball. He noted, “Even with the momentum shifting against us, I never hesitated to push forward.”
The match highlighted Doan's dedication and commitment to his team, as he explained how he had to adapt his playing style under pressing circumstances. Despite being fatigued, the necessity to support his teammates never abated. “The match had its challenges, but stopping the runs wasn’t part of my plan,” he emphasized, indicating his readiness to fight for his club's success.
His two-goal performance has seen him surpass last season's tally and now stands at eight goals—a significant achievement at this stage of the season, one indicative of his upward trend. “I’m definitely feeling the growth year by year,” Doan stated, reflecting on his personal statistics and acknowledging the collective success of the team.
Following the match, he engaged with the fans who had been cheering passionately throughout. Though he admitted, “I apologize for not fully grasping German,” he expressed heartfelt gratitude for their support. “I really feel the love from the supporters,” he said, beaming with pleasure as he celebrated with them, bringing the team’s focus back to continuing their success.
Going forward, the ambitions are clear for Doan and Brighton alike. With every match, the possibility for greater achievements looms, and Doan intends to push himself to new heights. “I want to keep this momentum going,” he concluded, confidently expressing his unwavering desire to deliver more thrillers on the pitch.