Kaoru Mitoma has been hailed as an example to young players in Japan as he closes in on a century.
The Albion winger will make his 100th Premier League appearance if he gets on against his favourite opponents Bournemouth.
Advertisement
He has so far made 75 starts and come off the bench 24 times in the English top flight, scoring 22 goals.
Mitoma was signed from Kawasaki Frontale for what now looks a bargain £2.7 million and spent a season on loan in Belgium at Royale Union St Gilloise.
He famously put his J-League career on hold when he was 19 to study and play football at university in Tsukuba, near Tokyo.
Young players there still follow his progress in the Prem while Japanese fans flock to Albion games at the Amex and around the country.
Advertisement
Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler said: “I experienced how popular Kaoru Mitoma is when we had the pre-season in Tokyo, and it’s not only in Japan.
“He has done a lot for his country and I think a lot of Japanese people follow him because he’s a great player and he’s a role model for the young players there.
Read more
Hurzeler press conference as Albion prepare to face Bournemouth
How Albion are keeping Welbeck sharp and fresh for key stage of season
Hurzeler sets goal for on-loan striker wanted by Celtic
Baleba told to learn from Gross as he faces battle for a midfield place
“We are very pleased that he’s playing for us.”
Advertisement
Mitoma scored away to the Cherries in September but that was the first time he has suffered defeat against them.
His season was put on hold soon after by what turned out to be a persistent ankle injury.
Hurzeler said: “It has not been easy for him. In the first part of the season, he had an injury that took him out for a long time but now he’s getting more and more back into his shape.
“He seems to be ready and hopefully he will have a better second part of the season.”