Pascal Gross’s Brighton return puts him back in Germany contention | OneFootball

Pascal Gross’s second spell at Brighton has propelled him back into Germany’s plans, capped by appearances in both March friendlies. According to NY Times, the 34-year-old’s form since rejoining from Borussia Dortmund in January prompted Julian Nagelsmann to recall him.

In Switzerland last Friday he came on in the 80th minute and, within five minutes, teed up Florian Wirtz for the clincher in a 4-3 win. He then started against Ghana on Monday, playing 61 minutes in a 2-1 victory in Stuttgart.

Brighton knew they were getting a dependable creator and leader, though after 18 months away there was a question over his on-pitch impact. His career tally now includes 70 top-flight assists across 351 Premier League and Bundesliga games.

Since returning, Gross has featured in all 12 league matches in 2026, starting the last 11, mainly in central midfield and occasionally at No 10. He scored in a 1-1 draw with Everton, set up Diego Gomez in a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest, and has completed the last seven games.

Gross was first called up at 32 under Hansi Flick in August 2023, made the 2024 European Championships squad and appeared in the 5-1 win against Scotland before Germany lost 2-1 to Spain in the quarter-finals. Omitted from World Cup qualifiers last October and November while at Dortmund, he returned in a 34-man group for these March fixtures.

Nagelsmann has praised Gross’s selflessness and his knack for linking team-mates, viewing him as the kind of player who improves those around him. Fabian Hurzeler, who could not keep him in 2024 but welcomed him back this year, said Gross’s presence helps build connections and togetherness, qualities he believes could be decisive at a World Cup.

If selected for the final squad, Gross could face former Brighton colleagues Moises Caicedo and Pervis Estupinan with Ecuador in group E, alongside Curacao and Ivory Coast. At club level, Brighton sit tenth after four wins in five with seven to play, and Gross is central to their late push for Europe.

Source: NY Times