Brighton vs. Southampton: Opposition threat

Brighton vs. Southampton: Opposition threat – 28/08/18

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: Glenn Murray of Brighton and Hove Albion is tackled by Jack Stephens of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Brighton and Hove Albion at St Mary's Stadium on January 31, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

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BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 23: Pascal Gross of Brighton shoots during the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Watford at Amex Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Pascal Gross

The German midfielder was a revelation on the south coast last campaign, scoring seven goals and setting up a further eight as arguably Brighton’s best player.

He’s already opened his account for the season with his goal in the aforementioned win against United, and if the Seagulls are to create anything, it’d run through the 27-year-old.

Playing behind the striker he possesses a good passing range and is direct in running at defences – he’s perhaps comparable to the Saints’ Stuart Armstrong in terms of play-style.

Assuming Romeu returns to the starting XI tonight to offer more defensive discipline, he will have a tough task dealing with the German who will look to exploit pockets created by his striker.