With 95 key passes last season, Pascal Groß was the Bundesliga's most creative player. A considerable output for a player who was relegated from the German top flight with Ingolstadt, though somewhat unsurprising given it was the second successive campaign in which he achieved such status.
What was unexpected, though, was his decision to sign a four-year deal with newly-promoted Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of the season, reportedly snubbing interest from a number of Champions League clubs in favour of the Seagulls.
In Groß, Albion were promised a central midfielder with excellent distribution. A combative player who can enforce himself on opposition but also control games through his passing, his positioning and reading of the game.
On pre-season showings alone, the £3 million fee Brighton spent on Groß looks an absolute snip.
“We are delighted that Pascal has opted to sign for us, amid interest from a number of clubs from the Premier League and across Europe, and I am pleased to welcome him to the club," Brighton manager Chris Hughton said upon the midfielder's arrival.
"He offers something different to our existing midfielders, as an attacking midfielder in a more advanced position, operating behind the forward line; he will give us a different and new option going into the new season.”
Above all, Groß gives Hughton a choice. The 26-year-old is set to take up a role behind the chosen striker in a 4-4-1-1 formation but is equally adept in a deeper role. With Dale Stephens and record-signing Davy Propper likely to hold the two central spots, it'll be up to Groß provide the ammunition, while safe-guarding areas during defensive situations.
Albion will adopt a counter-attacking approach to league games in the upcoming season and will pack the lines before looking to counter-attack teams. A creative hub who can open avenues for the wide players is crucial for success at the Amex this season, and Groß can provide that.
Groß scored three goals during Albion's pre-season preparations, including a deflected free-kick against Atletico Madrid on Sunday, and has all the markings of an early fan favourite on the South Coast. Groß has already demonstrated his willingness to fight for his team-mates and prides himself on hard work, too - an attribute which the Albion fanbase appreciate immensely following years of hardship.
Brighton kick off their maiden Premier League campaign on Saturday evening against title-favourites Manchester City. Should Hughton's side claim anything from their opening fixture, much will depend on the performance of Groß and his ability to withhold one of the finest midfields in Europe.
In a saturated market in which value is extremely difficult to come by, Brighton's signing of Groß could eventually prove to be one of the bargains of the season.
