Every little thing Gross does is magic
In the late 1970s when Sting was writing Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic for The Police, he might have thought his song would make it to the top of the UK charts.
He might even have thought that it would eventually be one of the most classic British rock songs, still popular around the world 40 years later.
However, what he could not have imagined is that some decades later his iconic chorus line would be what fans of Brighton & Hove Albion would think of when watching their number 13 play. Every little thing Pascal Gross has done recently in an Albion shirt is pure magic.
“He does pretty much everything in the team. He’s in the form of his life, I’d say. He’s a great guy to have and a very important member of the team”.
That is what Graham Potter had to say on Gross after the home win against Leeds, in which the German scored the winning goal.
Gross is and always will be an Albion legend for what he has offered to the club in its Premier League years. If he keeps his current form going, he might end up being even more than that. An icon maybe? A God?
This run of form started in that 4-0 win against Manchester United back in May. Since then, Gross has not missed a single minute for Brighton in the Premier League.
That United game he played higher up the pitch, closer to Danny Welbeck. In the nine games since, he has offered lots of… magic
Moments of brilliance that will remain in Albion fans’ minds for a long time. Three goals in two games versus the Red Devils after adding a double at Old Trafford on the opening day.
Another fantastic strike against West Ham at the end of 2021-22, followed by an amazing assist against the same opponents at the London Stadium a few weeks ago. He also assisted in the 5-2 win versus Leicester City.
Gross looks better than ever; sharper, more important for the team. The Albion’s latest tactical approach of four central midfielders and two wing backs behind Welbeck suits Gross perfectly; it compliments his strengths and he, in turn, makes the team better.
His flaming hot form might be there for all to see with the naked eye, but the numbers behind it are more impressive still. They show how crucial the German is for this Brighton side.
Gross is the driving force behind the Albion’s attack with an average of 4.6 shot creating actions per 90 minutes. He makes an average of 2.6 passes every game which directly lead to a shot, whilst having 4.5 touches in the opposition penalty box. Because of these, his creation stats so far this season are simply elite.
Gross has created five big chances, sitting behind only Kevin De Bruyne in this rank. His expected assists rate is really admirable as well, at 0.4xA/90 minutes.
The German never fails to deliver for his teammates. The impressive thing is that at the same time, he has managed to be in the right spots to find good opportunities for himself as well.
On average, he accumulates a non-penalty xG of 0.3 per game. This takes his expected goals + expected assists rate to 0.7 per 90 minutes, which is just astonishing.
To put it in context, De Bruyne’s rate in this category this season is 0.64 per 90 minutes. Bruno Fernandes’ is 0.51 per 90 minutes.
What is even more eye-catching is his xG-shot ratio. Every shot on average has a 10 percent possibility of resulting in a goal.
An xG-shot ratio above that is the sign of a seriously good attacker. Gross is clever enough to shoot from positions that ensure his efforts have almost double the average at 0.18.
His actions on the ball are essential for Brighton. What he brings off it is just as important. On many occasions, he makes runs that free up a lot of space for his teammates.
Solly March down the right especially has benefited. Gross and March have an excellent working relationship. It is not really a surprise that March is playing so well when Gross is.
Gross is not the fastest player around but with 19.8 applied pressures per game, it is guaranteed that he will run his lungs out for the team.
There were a lot of doubters even six months ago. Gross though has silenced them with some truly magical performances and now he is leading Brighton in a season which could turn out to be the most special in the club’s history.
He deserves a chant to match his status, so how about this for an idea?
Every little thing he does is magic, every turn or shot or pass or cross, he makes your defence look so tragic, we are all in love with Pascal Gross.
Sting, eat your heart out.
Jason Therios @JasonTherios
