Timely recognition or long overdue? How Gross is proving all-time bargain

Having been named the top-flight's player of the month for September, it leads to the question of whether Brighton midfielder Pascal Gross may be one of the best value-for-money signings in Premier League history. In fact the 35-year-old has effectively cost the Seagulls minus £3m - and been involved in 85 Premier League goals over two spells. Nobody has been involved in more top-flight goals than Gross this season - six in five games. He was Brighton's first Premier League signing in 2017 for a reported £3m from Ingolstadt and left for his boyhood club Borussia Dortmund in 2024 for £8m. But in a surprise move he returned to Albion in January for about £1.7m. Since Gross first joined Brighton nine years ago, only three players have created more chances in the division than his 562 - Bruno Fernandes, Kevin de Bruyne and Mohamed Salah. And that includes the 18 months he was away from the Premier League. So has Gross been underrated all this time? Former England midfielder, and BBC pundit, Danny Murphy doesn't think so. "The Premier League is shown worldwide, and he has been a part of that for so many years during a time when Brighton have been a shining light," he said. "You don't have to play for a big-six team to be appreciated in the Premier League. Gross is not under the radar, because people know how good he is." How big an impact has Gross had? Gross was Albion's first signing after they sealed promotion to the top flight. A little-heralded German from relegated Ingolstadt, nobody could have anticipated the impact he, nor Albion, would go on to have. For one he has played in 73% of their top-flight games since 1983. "There's an argument Gross is pound-for-pound the best value player in the Premier League over the last 10 years, especially when you look at his goal involvements," said BBC Radio Sussex commentor Johnny Cantor. "However, he also drives standards in training, sets a high bar and is a huge influence in the dressing room. "Technically he is excellent, has superb delivery but also possesses an awareness, popping up in spaces all around the pitch. Managers have leaned on him, team-mates respect him, and fans of all generations adore him. "He will surely be remembered as one of the best Albion players of the modern age." As well as his notable record of creating chances, Gross has put in more successful crosses, including corners, than any other player in that time (483) despite Trent Alexander-Arnold and James Ward-Prowse attempting more. For passes played into the box - including those crosses - he is fourth. Gross also features seventh for assists with 51 to go with his 34 goals in 252 Premier League games. All the more remarkable when you consider his journey with Brighton appeared over two years ago when he went home to join his beloved Borussia Dortmund. Albion supporter Maz Mirzadeh said: "When he left for Dortmund, it was like going through a heartbreak and seeing an ex go back to their childhood sweetheart. "He's outrageously good and massively underappreciated. "If you watch him play, you would think someone's put him in slow-motion settings, but what he lacks in pace, he makes up in superior football IQ, technical brilliance and working harder than any other player on the pitch." 'Already one of the Brighton greats' Gross played 66 times for Dortmund, scoring one goal and assisting 17 times, but on 2 January 2026, he came back to Brighton. Aged 34 at the time, many wondered if it was more of a romantic career swansong. "There may have been concerns that he may not have been able to recreate the impact of his first period at the Amex but that has been dispelled already," added Cantor. Only Chelsea's Joao Pedro can match Gross' goal contributions this season in the top flight (both three goals, three assists). Remarkably Gross has run more in the Premier League (almost 60km, 37 miles) than any player except for Everton teenager Harrison Armstrong all season. The midfielder - who retired from international football after the World Cup - has also played every single minute for Brighton in all competitions, eight games so far. Former Liverpool and Fulham midfielder Murphy said: "He's an intelligent footballer, with a great football IQ. "You can see that he has grown into that version of himself over the years. That happens in football - it happened to me - when you know what you can't do, as much as you know what you can do. "So, you don't see him trying to beat people on the outside with his pace. Instead he loves a little chop, or a Cruyff turn to give himself space and time, or to play a quick first-time pass around the corners. That's why he always seems to be in space. "His versatility tells you about his intelligence as well. He is able to play as a full-back, central midfield or, recently, as more of a 10. He is scoring and making goals. "I am sure this won't be his last season with Brighton but, even if it was, he is already going to be remembered as one of the Brighton greats by their supporters for what he has given so far to the club, especially with him coming back and doing what he is doing. It is nothing short of remarkable." Gross has also created more Premier League chances (15) this season than anyone else to help Brighton to third in the table. This form led to him being the sixth oldest player to be named Premier League player of the month. Seagulls fan Mirzadeh added: "Even in his 'unc' era, he's showing the Premier League's elite how it's done. "If he was called Pascal Silva and played for a top-six club he might get the recognition and respect he truly deserves." Danny Murphy was speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan Latest Brighton news, analysis and fan views Ask about Brighton - what do you want to know?