Dario Vidosic believes more Japanese players will head to Europe.

Albion winger Kiko Seike has been named Asian Football Confederation women’s player of the year for 2023.

She exploded on to the WSL scene with a debut hat-trick against Everton and her average of 1.23 goals per 90 minutes remains the best in the league so far this season.

Vidosic believes Japan can be a gold mine for talent.

The Albion head coach said: “I think they are terrific footballers.

“They are technically very good.

“I don’t think I have ever heard there has been a problem with a Japanese player, ever.

“I don’t think you will ever see them in the media for doing the wrong thing.

“In a squad environment, they are the ultimate professionals.

“They work hard, they are excellent.

“From the men’s side and the women’s side, there is evidence – especially at our football club, with what Kaoru Mitoma is doing for the men’s side and Kike for the women’s side.

“And not just for us. It’s all across the league, all across the world.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if there are even more heading over, not just to England but to Europe and the biggest leagues and the best clubs in the world.”

Seike was player of the year and top scorer in the Japanese league before heading to England via the Olympic Games in France.

Her 20 goals in 22 games helped Urawa Reds win their second consecutive league title.

Seike has been coming off the bench in recent games for Albion, who host Leicester City at the Broadfield Stadium on Sunday (2pm).

The Seagulls have spent the current international window fourth in the WSL table.