Pascal Groß’s transfer to Borussia Dortmund in the 2024/25 season marks an intriguing addition to Nuri Şahin‘s squad.
As a seasoned midfielder with years of Premier League experience, Groß brings a wealth of tactical knowledge and versatility that aligns well with Şahin’s approach to football.
At 33, Groß may be entering the latter stages of his career, but his intelligence, technical skills, and adaptability remain as sharp as ever.
This tactical analysis in the form of a Pascal Gross scout report delves into how Groß fits into Dortmund’s tactics under Şahin, highlighting his strengths and weaknesses as part of the analysis, and what impact he is likely to have on Dortmund’s Bundesliga campaign.
Groß’s journey to Dortmund has been a tale of perseverance and steady development.
After making his mark in the Bundesliga with Ingolstadt, where he was instrumental in their promotion and survival campaign, Groß took his talents to the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion.
Over seven seasons, he established himself as one of the most reliable and creative midfielders in the league, culminating in his first European appearance at 32 and now, a move to one of Germany’s top clubs.
Şahin, known for his emphasis on tactical discipline and ball retention, will likely see Groß as a key figure in his midfield setup.
The former Turkish international, who enjoyed a stellar career at Dortmund himself, is expected to implement a system that maximizes Groß’s vision, passing range, and game intelligence.
Pascal Gross Style Of Play
Pascal Groß is best described as a deep-lying playmaker who excels in dictating the tempo of the game from midfield.
Standing at 181 cm, Groß is not the most physically imposing player, but he compensates with his technical ability and intelligence on the pitch.
His preferred role is in central midfield, where he can influence the build-up and attacking phases.
However, his versatility allows him to operate as a box-to-box midfielder or even as an inverted full-back, depending on the tactical demands of the game.
Pascal Gross Heat Map 2023/2024
Groß’s game is built on his exceptional vision and passing accuracy.
He has a remarkable ability to pick out teammates in advanced positions and often breaks opposition lines with his passes.
His experience in the Premier League, particularly under managers like Roberto De Zerbi, Graham Potter, and Chris Hughton, has refined his understanding of various tactical systems, making him a valuable asset for Şahin, who is expected to blend possession-based football with high-intensity pressing.
Pascal Gross Build-Up Play
One of Groß’s standout qualities is his ability to control the tempo of the game during the build-up phase.
At Brighton, he was often the focal point in midfield, responsible for initiating attacks from deep positions.
His passing statistics from the 2023/24 Premier League season underscore this quality.
With 2,927 completed passes, Groß ranked among the top three passers in the league, alongside midfield maestros like Rodri.
On average, he attempted 81 passes per game with a 90% accuracy rate, a testament to his reliability in possession.
At Dortmund, Şahin is likely to deploy Groß in a similar role, where he can orchestrate the team’s build-up play.
Pascal Gross Pass Map 2023/2024
Whether playing as a deep-lying midfielder or slightly higher up the pitch, Groß’s composure on the ball and ability to pick out the right pass will be crucial in breaking down opposition defences.
His proficiency in short, precise passes will help Dortmund maintain possession, while his long-range passing will enable the team to switch play and exploit spaces on the flanks.
Groß’s role in the build-up phase extends beyond just passing.
His positioning and movement off the ball are equally important.
He often drops deep to receive the ball from the defenders, allowing his team to progress up the pitch.
When the right-back pushes forward, Groß has the tactical awareness to shift wide, providing an additional passing option and helping to maintain the team’s structure.
This adaptability will be vital for Dortmund, especially in tight games where space is at a premium.
Pascal Gross Creativity
Groß’s creative abilities are another key asset he brings to Dortmund.
His vision and decision-making in the final third make him a constant threat to opposition defences.
Last season, he registered 14 goal contributions in the Premier League, showcasing his ability to create chances for his teammates as well as score goals himself.
A significant part of Groß’s creativity comes from his expertise in set pieces.
He is known for his accurate deliveries from corners and free-kicks, often putting the ball in dangerous areas for his teammates to attack.
This will add another dimension to Dortmund’s attacking play, especially considering their aerial threats, such as Niklas Süle, Waldemar Anton, Serhou Guirassy, and Nico Schlotterbeck.
Additionally, Groß’s crossing ability from open play allows him to whip in dangerous balls from wide areas, providing service to the forwards.
His creativity is not limited to set pieces, however.
Pascal Gross Shot Assists Map 2023/2024
In open play, Groß’s intelligent movement and awareness enable him to find pockets of space where he can receive the ball and make decisive passes.
He excels at identifying the right moment to play a through ball or a diagonal pass that cuts through the opposition’s defensive lines.
This ability to unlock defences will be invaluable for Dortmund, particularly in matches where they are up against deep-lying defences.
Pascal Gross Progressive Passes Map 2023/2024
Groß’s goal-scoring ability, while not his primary strength, should not be overlooked.
He has a knack for arriving in the box at the right time, often finding himself in goal-scoring positions.
His composure in front of goal, combined with his excellent shooting technique, makes him a threat from distance as well as inside the box.
Pascal Gross Shots Map 2023/2024
This versatility in attack will provide Şahin with multiple tactical options, whether Groß is deployed as a deep-lying playmaker or further forward as a more advanced midfielder.
Pascal Gross Defending Abilities
While Groß’s strengths lie in his offensive contributions, his defensive capabilities should not be ignored.
He has developed a solid work ethic over his career, often covering significant ground to help his team defensively.
At Brighton, he was frequently tasked with pressing opponents high up the pitch, forcing turnovers and disrupting the opposition’s build-up play.
However, there are areas in Groß’s defensive game that require attention.
His lack of pace and dynamism can sometimes be a liability, especially against faster and more agile opponents.
In situations where he is isolated in one-on-one duels, Groß can struggle to keep up with his man, leading to fouls or being bypassed too easily.
This was evident in some of his performances in the Premier League, where his positioning and decision-making in defensive situations were occasionally called into question.
Pascal Gross Defensive Territory 2023/2024
At Dortmund, Şahin will need to find a balance that allows Groß to contribute defensively without exposing his weaknesses.
One possible solution could be pairing him with a more mobile and defensively-minded midfielder who can cover for Groß when he ventures forward.
Alternatively, Şahin could instruct Groß to focus more on positioning and intercepting passes rather than engaging in physical duels.
Another area where Groß could improve is his tackling.
While he is not afraid to put in a challenge, his timing can sometimes be off, resulting in unnecessary fouls or leaving him out of position.
Improving his tackling technique and decision-making in these situations will be crucial if he is to adapt to the higher defensive demands at Dortmund.
Despite these shortcomings, Groß’s defensive contribution should not be undervalued.
His high footballing IQ allows him to read the game well, positioning himself in the right areas to intercept passes and break up play.
His work rate also ensures that he is always involved defensively, whether it is pressing high up the pitch or tracking back to help his team in deeper areas.
How Does Pascal Groß Fit Into Nuri Şahin Tactics?
Nuri Şahin, a former midfield maestro himself, is expected to implement a system at Dortmund that emphasizes possession-based football, quick transitions, and tactical flexibility.
Groß’s attributes make him a perfect fit for such a system, as his ability to dictate play from deep positions and contribute creatively in the final third aligns well with Şahin’s philosophy.
In a typical 4-3-3 formation, Groß could be deployed as one of the central midfielders, tasked with controlling the tempo of the game and linking defence with attack.
His composure on the ball and passing range would allow Dortmund to build from the back and maintain possession in midfield, while his creativity would enable the team to break down stubborn defenses.
Alternatively, Şahin could utilize Groß in a double-pivot role in a 3-4-2-1 formation.
In this position, Groß would have more freedom to roam and exploit spaces between the opposition’s midfield and attack.
His vision and passing ability would be crucial in creating chances for Dortmund’s forwards, while his goal-scoring instincts would add an extra dimension to the team’s attack.
Groß’s versatility also means that he can adapt to different tactical setups depending on the opponent.
In games where Dortmund is expected to dominate possession, Groß can operate as a deep-lying playmaker, orchestrating the play from deeper areas.
In more challenging fixtures where Dortmund may need to absorb pressure and hit on the counter, Groß’s ability to play quick, accurate passes would be invaluable in launching counter-attacks.
Defensively, Şahin will need to manage Groß’s limitations carefully.
As mentioned earlier, pairing him with a more defensive-minded midfielder could help mitigate his lack of pace and physicality.
Alternatively, Şahin could implement a pressing system that minimizes Groß’s defensive responsibilities by focusing on winning the ball higher up the pitch, allowing Groß to concentrate on his strengths in possession.
Pascal Groß High Regains Map 2023/2024
Conclusion
Pascal Groß’s arrival at Borussia Dortmund brings a blend of experience, creativity, and tactical intelligence that will be crucial in Nuri Şahin’s plans for the 2024/25 Bundesliga season.
Despite his age and some physical limitations, Groß’s strengths in passing, set-pieces, and decision-making make him a valuable addition to Dortmund’s midfield.
His versatility allows him to fit into various tactical setups, and his experience in the Premier League will provide Dortmund with a calm and reliable presence on the pitch.
While there are areas where Groß will need to adapt, particularly defensively, his overall contribution is expected to be positive.
Under Şahin’s guidance, Groß has the potential to thrive in a system that plays to his strengths, helping Dortmund compete at the highest level domestically and in Europe.
Pascal Groß may be a late bloomer on the European stage, but his arrival at Borussia Dortmund is a testament to his enduring quality.
As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, Groß will look to leave a lasting impact at one of Germany’s biggest clubs, and his experience, intelligence, and creativity will undoubtedly play a key role in Dortmund’s success this season.
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