Pascal Gross: The Tireless Engine Driving Brighton's Success
While many footballers take the summer to relax after a challenging season, Pascal Gross prefers to keep moving. After being part of the German squad that reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, he took part in a running event on the East Frisian island of Juist, finishing the 8.4km race in an impressive 31 minutes and 35 seconds.
Gross, who is typically low-key, only drew attention to his victory when a fellow competitor shared a video on social media. Following his stint at Brighton, he made the switch to Borussia Dortmund but was back at his former club for pre-season training just days later. Running is a passion for Gross, much like it is for his ex-teammate James Milner, who is now training for a marathon post-retirement. Since rejoining Brighton in January for a modest fee of £1.2m, Gross has injected fresh energy into the squad.
Brighton’s manager, Fabian Hürzeler, humorously remarked that Gross is always on the lookout for his next race, saying, "He can never stand still." After scoring the opening goal in a dominant 3-0 win against Arsenal last month, Hürzeler noted that Gross is not one to lounge on the beach during the off-season, constantly seeking activity instead.
This season, Gross has averaged over 11.5km per match, ranking among the top three players in the Premier League for distance covered. Hürzeler likened Gross to fine wine, suggesting that he improves with age. This comparison is evident in Gross’s stats, as he has helped Brighton challenge for Champions League spots, contributing to seven goals and assists.
Hürzeler believes that Gross often anticipates plays before his opponents do. "He might not be the fastest player on the pitch, but his quick thinking gives him an edge," he said. The manager, who played a significant role in bringing Gross back, acknowledged that his return has exceeded expectations and demonstrated his enduring capabilities.
At Brighton, where experience is highly valued, Gross serves as a role model for younger players. Charalampos Kostoulas, who has netted three goals in four league matches, is flourishing alongside the seasoned midfielder. Other young talents like Diego Gómez, Jack Hinshelwood, and Yasin Ayari are also thriving under Gross's mentorship, as is Hürzeler himself.
Having originally joined Brighton in 2017 from Ingolstadt, Gross made a significant impact with 75 goals and assists. His departure for Dortmund fulfilled a childhood dream, but he always felt a pull back to Brighton, where he is affectionately known as the Kaiser due to his style and impact on the game.
Reflecting on his exit from Brighton, Gross said, "It was really difficult. Only something really special got me out of here. I kept in touch with the lads, and Brighton was always my priority." His decision to retire from international football also benefits Brighton, allowing him to focus fully on club duties.
In a recent match against Crystal Palace, Gross provided a pivotal assist that led to an own goal, further cementing his status as a club legend. He’s assisted in three consecutive matches, and with a chance to set a record for the oldest player to achieve four assists in a row since Gianfranco Zola, Gross continues to defy expectations.
As Brighton prepares for a challenging run of five consecutive away games, including a trip to Anfield, they’ll rely on Gross’s consistent performance. After securing a draw against Jablonec in the Conference League, the team will face Manchester City twice and then travel to Spain to take on Getafe. With Gross starting every match this season, he is the backbone the squad needs to maintain their strong start.
