Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Pascal Groß has been crucial to the success of Roberto De Zerbi’s side through his intelligence, versatility, and creativity. The German’s numbers in the Premier League this season indicate his immense importance to the Seagulls.
Pascal Groß: The Numbers Behind Brighton’s Unsung Hero
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Pacal Groß Creative Influence
The former Ingolstadt 04 midfielder has stood out creatively not only within the Brighton squad but also when compared to the entire Premier League.
Groß ranks joint third for league assists this season alongside Mohammed Salah and Pedro Neto, with eight in total. He is the highest central midfielder on the list, with only Kieran Trippier and Ollie Watkins ahead of him, who have ten each.
These figures have come from the 32-year-old’s ability to make decisive passes in crucial areas. Groß ranks fifth in the division for chances created this season (59), averaging 2.78 key passes per 90 minutes, according to data from Opta. He also ranks fifth for passes into the final third (139) and is seventh for passes into the penalty area (46).
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The German takes up a number of positions, meaning he can utilise his exceptional crossing ability and his incisive passing. Groß ranks third for crosses into the penalty area (14) and is the only midfielder or attacker in the top eight for this statistic.
His four Premier League goals mean he has the most goal involvements for Brighton in the league this season with 12, and the second most in all competitions (16) behind Joao Pedro, who has scored 19 goals this campaign.
How Pascal Groß Controls The Game
The midfielder ranks fifth in the league for completed passes (1615), with Brighton team-mate Lewis Dunk ranked second behind Manchester City’s Rodri.
Groß is the only player in the top ten for both passes completed and assists in the Premier League this season, showing his unique ability to create goals for the south-coast side and control the tempo.
This is further demonstrated as the German ranks third in the league for touches of the ball, averaging 99.51 touches per 90 minutes, once again behind Dunk and Rodri in second and first.
The midfielder’s ability to transition the Seagulls from defence into attack is also vital and is shown as he ranks fourth in the league for carries, making 62.7 a game.
How Groß’s Ability Impacts Brighton
Groß’s dependability has been demonstrated with the German starting 21 of the 24 league games this season and playing more minutes in the league than any other Brighton player (1908).
Roberto De Zerbi has recognised and relied on Groß’s versatility, having deployed him at right back several times. The Italian has often spoken of his importance and talent and once said: “Pascal is one of the best players I worked with.”
Now in his seventh season at the club, Groß’s impact on Brighton’s style of play is evident. The Seagulls have had the most touches in the league this season, and only Man City have completed more passes.
It is also only Pep Guardiola’s side who have had more possession than De Zerbi’s men this campaign with Brighton having an average of 61.2% of the ball.
With top scorer Joao Pedro out injured, Groß’s creativity could become even more crucial to the Seagulls.
