Pascal Groß has wasted little time making himself central to Brighton’s attack again. The 35-year-old midfielder has two goals and two assists in four Premier League appearances this season, and his latest big contribution came on Sunday in Brighton’s 5-0 win over Coventry City, when he finished with one goal and two assists.
It is the kind of return Brighton hoped for when Groß came back in the January transfer window after a seven-year stint at the club and a move to Borussia Dortmund. He had already been a key part of Brighton’s rise since 2017, when the club won promotion, and he is now back in a role that asks him to do more than simply keep possession moving.
A connector with end product
Fabian Hürzeler has been clear about what Groß brings. The Brighton manager called him “a great connector” and also praised him as “a great person,” while pointing to the trust built between player and coach as an important part of how the relationship works on the pitch.
That connection is showing up in Brighton’s attack. Brighton have been among the Premier League’s most potent attacking forces this season, and Groß’s numbers help explain why. He is producing directly in the final third, but he is also covering more ground than any other Brighton player this season, which highlights how much responsibility he is carrying in midfield.
The broader team context matters too. Brighton finished eighth in back-to-back seasons before this one, so there was already a baseline for strong performance. But this version of the team looks especially dangerous going forward, and Groß has been one of the players helping drive that level.
What comes next
Brighton were scheduled to face Manchester United in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, and Groß’s form makes him one of the most important players to watch. He is not just a veteran presence in the middle of the pitch; right now, he is one of the main reasons Brighton’s attack is moving so smoothly.
