Pascal Gross named Premier League player of the month for September after Brighton run

Pascal Gross was named the Premier League's player of the month for September after scoring in Brighton's recent 3-0 win over Arsenal, the BBC reported on 2 October 2026. "I really enjoy life in Brighton, I'm loving it," said Gross after that match.

The 35-year-old midfielder has been involved in 85 Premier League goals over two spells with Brighton and, by one calculation in the article, has effectively cost the Seagulls minus £3m. Gross was Brighton's first Premier League signing in 2017 for a reported £3m from Ingolstadt, left for Borussia Dortmund in 2024 for £8m and returned to Albion on 2 January 2026 for about £1.7m.

Since Gross first joined Brighton nine years ago he has created 562 chances in the division, a total bettered only by Bruno Fernandes, Kevin de Bruyne and Mohamed Salah over the same period. He has recorded 483 successful crosses, including corners, more than any other player in that timeframe, and ranks fourth for passes played into the box.

Gross has been heavily involved this season, with nobody credited with more top-flight goal involvements than him — six in five games — and he has created 15 Premier League chances to date, the most of any player this campaign. Only Chelsea's Joao Pedro can match Gross' goal contributions this season in the top flight (both three goals, three assists), and his form has helped Brighton to third in the table.

BBC Radio Sussex commentator Johnny Cantor offered a view on Gross's value and influence: "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," he said. "However, he also drives standards in training, sets a high bar and is a huge influence in the dressing room."

Supporter Maz Mirzadeh and former England midfielder Danny Murphy also spoke about Gross's attributes. 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." Murphy added: "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. "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." and later: "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. ... 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."

Statistical details in the report note Gross played 66 times for Dortmund, scoring one goal and assisting 17 times, and that he has played every single minute for Brighton in all competitions — eight games so far. The article also states he has run almost 60km (37 miles) in the Premier League this season, a distance exceeded only by Everton teenager Harrison Armstrong.

This run of form made Gross the sixth oldest player to be named Premier League player of the month.