Alan Shearer names most ‘impressive’ Premier League player this season so far | Football

Alan Shearer has picked out his most impressive player of the Premier League season so far, naming Brighton and Brentford as the clubs that have impressed him most – outside of leaders Manchester City.

The Seagulls and the Bees have both enjoyed fine starts to the campaign, with Fabian Hurzeler’s side picking up 10 points from their first five games and Keith Andrews’ managing nine.

Brighton, incredibly, have scored 16 goals in their five league outings, three more than any other side in the top flight.

They also picked up an eye-catching win in the Carabao Cup as they came back from two goals behind to beat Manchester United 3-2 at Old Trafford.

Brentford are still going in the Carabao Cup as well, but it has been their 3-0 victories in the Premier League over Tottenham and Chelsea that have really grabbed attention.

Shearer has been thoroughly impressed by both, but picking out an individual performer, the Newcastle legend has been blown away by Brighton’s Pascal Gross.

The 35-year-old has been in superb form, pulling the strings in midfield for the Seagulls, while contributing three goals and three assists already this season.

The Germany international spent seven seasons with Brighton from 2017-24 before moving to Borussia Dortmund for 18 months and returning to the Amex in January this year.

He now looks better than ever and has caught the eye of the Premier League’s record goal-scorer.

‘I have been really impressed with Pascal Gross at the start of this Premier League season,’ Shearer told Betfair. ‘I think there’s two clubs that have been the standout at the minute other than [Manchester] City because City have won five from five, but you have to say Brighton and Brentford have been superb.

‘Anyone going in against those two teams know that they’re in for a battle because they can do a bit of everything because they’re strong physically, but they’ve also got technically very good players, both teams.

‘So, Brighton and Brentford have impressed me massively up to now and Pascal Gross has impressed me the most so far this season from a player perspective.’

The German’s incredible engine in the middle of the park looks to be in perfect working order, despite his advancing years.

Hurzeler joked that Gross would be looking for a running race to compete in over the international break, but will encourage him to rest up instead.

‘I think he’s looking in the free time now, “Where can I run a race?”’ Hurzeler said.

‘He will never stand still and maybe he’s playing a little padel, but I will say to him that he needs to get a few days off.

‘But it also shows his character. Not only his character, he just has this winning mentality and it definitely helps us.’

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