Midfielder Pascal Gross has brought renewed energy to Brighton & Hove Albion since his return to the club in January for £1.2m. The German player’s dedication to running and his exceptional on-field performances have helped the Seagulls launch a challenge for Champions League qualification.
An Obsession With Running
As reported by Football | The Guardian (theguardian.com), Gross spent part of his summer after Euro 2024 entering and winning an 8.4km running race on Juist in the East Frisian islands with a time of 31 minutes and 35 seconds. Brighton’s head coach, Fabian Hürzeler, joked about his midfielder’s inability to stand still during the off-season. Gross covers an average distance of more than 11.5km per match, ranking him among the top three ground-covers in the Premier League.
Gross has recorded seven combined goals and assists this season, earning the Premier League’s player of the month award for September. He also ranks in the top five for big chances created, chances created from open play, and line-breaking passes leading to goals.
“Sometimes he’s just one step ahead than his opponent,” Hürzeler stated, praising the 35-year-old’s mental speed and physical capacity. Hürzeler also compared the midfielder to a good wine, noting that he improves with age.
Role Model for Young Talent
Inside the club, Gross serves as a vital mentor for younger players. Rising stars such as 19-year-old Greece striker Charalampos Kostoulas, Diego Gómez, Jack Hinshelwood, and Yasin Ayari have all benefited from his extensive experience as he approaches 300 appearances for the club.
Gross initially joined Brighton in 2017 following the club’s promotion, later leaving for Borussia Dortmund to fulfill a childhood dream before returning to the Amex Stadium. Affectionately known as the Kaiser, Gross admitted that Brighton remained his top priority throughout his time away.
Brighton faces a demanding schedule featuring five consecutive away fixtures, including trips to Manchester City and Spain to play Getafe. Having started every match across all competitions, Gross will be central to Hürzeler’s plans as the team navigates this tough period.
Source: Football | The Guardian
