Can German German make his debut in the Premier League and shake up Kimmich’s position as a starter?
Pascal Groß is emblematic of an enervating phrase that is always dug out from behind the metaphorical stove when anything particularly abstract or witty happens on or off the green pitch. „Only soccer writes stories like that.“
Yet Groß’s story doesn’t seem particularly spectacular at all. Neckarau and Hoffenheim youth, a year at Karlsuhe SC, then a move to FC Ingolstadt, where he gained his first Bundesliga experience. In 2017, the Mannheim native moved to England, where Groß signed for Brighton & Hove Albion, who were promoted to the Premier League at the time.
The skilled midfielder, who was also regularly deployed in other roles at the Seagulls, has since impressed across the board. He now has 222 caps (30 goals, 39 assists) to his name for the coastal club. While he has been highly regarded for his consistency on the island for many years, Groß flew under the radar in his homeland for a long time.
At least until a few weeks ago. At the beginning of September, national coach Hansi Flick nominated the 32-year-old for the national team for the first time, while Leon Goretzka, a seasoned Bayern and DFB star, had to stay at home. However, Groß’s debut in the kit of the four-time world champions did not go particularly exhilaratingly. The England international came on as a substitute for Emre Can at the 1:2 mark against Japan (1:4) and consequently saw two further goals conceded at the back.
GROSS REPLACES KIMMICH – AND CONVINCES
Flick had to take his hat off after the debacle, while Gross was allowed to stay. Flick’s successor, Julian Nagelsmann, also seems to have high hopes for the goal-scoring all-rounder. At his national coaching debut in the USA, the former Bayern coach did not call up returnee Goretzka for the ill Joshua Kimmich in the starting eleven, but Groß.
He repaid the trust placed in him in impressive style alongside captain Ilkay Gündogan. Groß won 100 percent of his duels against the U.S. boys and made the most successful tackles of any DFB player (3). He also impressed on the offensive, with only the post preventing his first international goal in the eleventh minute.
„He has the glow in his eyes,“ Nagelsmann praised afterwards, „For him, the national team is something very special. He’s on fire.“ Overall, „Pascal and Ilkay moved very smartly and very well between the lines.“ In short, Groß made up for Kimmich’s absence in the best possible way.
Reason enough – and that’s just the way the media mechanisms are – for Groß to be made a potential competitor to the top dog right away.
KIMMICH COMPETITOR? „NEE“
The modest Groß doesn’t want to know anything about it: „Nah,“ he said succinctly when asked about a possible duel between him and Kimmich. Why the understatement? „Because I know my role,“ said Groß. Nagelsmann, however, made people sit up and take notice in the run-up to the encounter with Mexico (2:00 a.m. CEST in the live ticker).
The 36-year-old coach refused to guarantee Kimmich a regular place. „The performance principle applies to all players – including Josh,“ Nagelsmann said, adding, „If Josh is better than the others, he’s in. If Pascal (Groß, editor’s note) is better, he’s set. In the end, I want to have the players on the field that I feel are the best fit for the opponent.“
The position in central midfield is traditionally contested, and Groß is predestined to act as Gündogan’s bodyguard, in contrast to the more offensively minded Kimmich. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that Nagelsmann will relegate Kimmich to the bench. Kimmich was considered Nagelsmann’s extended arm on the pitch during his time at Bayern.
GROSS CAN ALSO PLAY RIGHT BACK
But Gross‘ flexibility has already been outlined. It is conceivable that the ex-Ingolstadt player will become an issue in another position. Groß already played as a right-back at Brighton. At least on paper. He interpreted the role in a more modern way, repeatedly moving into the center to create superior numbers. Similar to how DFB colleague Robin Gosens had handled it against the USA on the other side.
„I feel very comfortable in midfield, but I can also play at right back, depending on the system,“ Groß said during his first international training course in September.
Despite all the uncertainty surrounding the starting lineup, Groß’s stellar performances have given Nagelsmann an additional quality midfield replacement option. As such, it is not impossible for Gross to step out of England’s shadow and into the Euro spotlight. It will be a legendary story that only soccer can write.
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