Pascal Groß has been named the Premier League’s top-performing player this season, with The Athletic ranking the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder above Rice and Haaland.
The 35-year-old has scored four goals and provided six assists in 10 Premier League appearances. He has also created a league-high 29 scoring chances and covered 119.5 kilometres more than any other player in the division.
The rankings assess performances during the current season only. Previous achievements, reputation and career status are not taken into consideration.
Groß has risen from 48th in the rankings in September to first place after a strong return to Brighton & Hove Albion. He rejoined the club from Dortmund in January 2026 and has since revitalised his career under coach Fabian Hurzeler.
His position at the top comes ahead of several of the Premier League’s most prominent performers, including Rice and Haaland.
Among German players, Brentford winger Kevin Schade was the only other representative in the top 50, finishing 44th. Wirtz and Havertz were not included, while no Man United player featured in the list.
Groß was selected for Germany’s World Cup squad this summer but announced his retirement from international football in September.
