Pascal Gross: The Unsung Hero of Brighton's Midfield

Pascal Gross is making waves this season, with only Joao Pedro contributing to more goals in the Premier League than the Brighton midfielder. At 35, Gross is proving to be one of the shrewdest signings in the league’s history, having effectively cost Brighton a mere £3 million over his two tenures. This season alone, he’s been directly involved in seven goals across six matches. In Brighton's recent 2-0 victory over Sunderland, it was Gross who delivered the perfect slide-rule pass to set up Maxim de Cuyper for the opener. This performance made him the oldest player since Ryan Giggs to assist in three consecutive Premier League matches. Statistically, Gross is second only to Bruno Fernandes and Dominik Szoboszlai in terms of creating chances this season. This is particularly impressive considering he spent 18 months away from the Premier League. Having joined Brighton in 2017 for a reported fee of £3 million from Ingolstadt, Gross briefly left for Borussia Dortmund in 2024 before making a surprise return to the Seagulls in January for around £1.7 million. So, is Gross truly underrated? Danny Murphy, a former England midfielder and BBC pundit, doesn’t think so. "The Premier League is broadcast globally, and he has been a vital part of Brighton's success during this time," Murphy commented. "You don't need to play for a top-six club to get recognized, and Gross is well-respected for his talents." Johnny Cantor, a commentator for BBC Radio Sussex, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Gross might be the best value player in the league over the last decade when you consider his goal contributions. "He drives standards in training and is a massive influence in the dressing room," Cantor added. "His technical skills are top-notch, and he has an incredible understanding of the game, appearing in crucial spaces all over the pitch. The fans adore him, and he will undoubtedly be remembered as one of Brighton's finest." Since his arrival at Brighton, Gross has racked up 52 assists along with 34 goals over 253 games in the Premier League. It’s a remarkable tally, especially considering that just two years ago, it seemed his time at Brighton was finished when he left for Dortmund. Albion supporter Maz Mirzadeh expressed the heartbreak felt when Gross departed: "It felt like watching an ex return to their first love. He’s incredibly talented and often goes unnoticed. He may not have blazing speed, but his football intelligence and technical skills shine through." As Brighton sits third in the Premier League, Gross has played every single minute across all competitions this season, disputing any doubts about his return. Murphy highlighted Gross’s footballing intelligence, saying, "He has grown into a clever player who knows his strengths and weaknesses. He doesn’t rely on pace; he uses clever footwork and quick passes to create space. His adaptability also showcases his football IQ." Despite speculation that his return might be more nostalgic than impactful, Gross has already proven his worth this season. Only Joao Pedro has surpassed him in goal contributions, with Gross registering three goals and four assists. Even at 35, Gross's performances earned him recognition as the sixth oldest player to be named Premier League Player of the Month for September. Mirzadeh remarked, "Even at this stage in his career, he’s setting an example for the league's elite. If he were playing for a big club, he’d receive the recognition he rightfully deserves."