Pascal Gross: The Unsung Hero of Brighton's Midfield

"I’m really enjoying life in Brighton, I love it here," said Pascal Gross after netting a goal in the 3-0 victory against Arsenal. After being named Player of the Month for September, many are starting to recognize Gross as one of the most valuable signings in Premier League history. Believe it or not, at 35 years old, he has effectively cost Brighton a mere £3 million and has been involved in a staggering 85 Premier League goals during his two spells at the club. This season, Gross tops the charts with six goal involvements in just five matches. He initially joined Brighton in 2017 for £3 million from Ingolstadt, then left for his dream club Borussia Dortmund in 2024 for £8 million. Surprisingly, he returned to Brighton in January for around £1.7 million. Since his arrival nearly a decade ago, only three players have created more chances than Gross's 562 in the top flight: Bruno Fernandes, Kevin De Bruyne, and Mohamed Salah. This impressive statistic includes the 18 months he spent away from the Premier League. So, has Gross been flying under the radar all this time? Not according to former England midfielder and pundit Danny Murphy. "The Premier League is viewed globally, and he’s been a key player during a time when Brighton has shone brightly. Gross isn’t underappreciated; people recognize his quality," Murphy stated. Gross was the first signing for Brighton following their promotion to the Premier League, coming in as a relatively unknown German player from a relegated team. Who could have predicted the significant impact he would have? With participation in 73% of Brighton's top-flight matches since 1983, Gross's contributions to the team have been monumental. BBC Radio Sussex commentator Johnny Cantor argued, "You could make a case that Gross is the best value player in the Premier League over the last decade, especially when you consider his goal involvements. He also elevates the standards in training and is a key figure in the dressing room." "Technically, he’s a gem. His awareness and ability to find space make him invaluable. Managers rely on him, teammates respect him, and fans of all ages adore him. He will undoubtedly go down as one of the best players in Brighton’s modern history." Gross leads the league in successful crosses, including corners, with an impressive 483, outpacing Trent Alexander-Arnold and James Ward-Prowse, despite them attempting more. He ranks fourth in passes into the box and seventh in assists with 51, alongside 34 goals across 252 Premier League appearances. Many felt his journey with Brighton ended when he signed with Dortmund two years ago. "When he left for Dortmund, it felt like a heartbreak, like seeing an ex return to their first love," said Albion fan Maz Mirzadeh. "He’s incredibly talented and often overlooked. Watching him play, it’s like someone put him in slow motion, but he compensates for his speed with an exceptional football IQ and relentless work ethic." Gross made 66 appearances for Dortmund, scoring once and assisting 17 times before returning to Brighton on January 2, 2026. At 34, some speculated if this was merely a sentimental farewell. Yet, Cantor noted, "There were doubts about whether he could replicate his previous impact at Brighton, but he’s already proven those concerns wrong." This season, only Chelsea's Joao Pedro can match Gross's contributions with three goals and three assists each. Remarkably, Gross has covered almost 60 kilometers this season, making him one of the top runners in the Premier League. After retiring from international football following the World Cup, Gross has played every minute for Brighton in their first eight matches. Murphy highlighted his intelligence on the pitch: "He’s grown into a more astute player over the years. He knows his strengths and weaknesses. Instead of relying on pace, he uses clever footwork to create space and time for quick passes." His versatility is another testament to his footballing IQ; Gross can play as a full-back, central midfielder, or even in a more advanced role, contributing to both goals and assists. Murphy is confident this won't be Gross's final season at Brighton, saying, "Regardless, he’s already cemented his status as a club legend for what he’s brought to the team, especially with his return and current form. It’s truly remarkable." With 15 chances created this season, Gross leads the Premier League, playing a vital role in Brighton's ascent to third place in the table. His recent recognition as one of the oldest players to win Player of the Month only adds to his impressive resume. Mirzadeh noted, "Even in his later years, he’s demonstrating to the Premier League elite how it’s done. If he played for a top-six club, he’d undoubtedly receive the acclaim he deserves."