5 surprise performers in the Premier League this season

#3: Pascal Gross (Brighton)

Pascal Gross celebrating one of his goals earlier this term in-front of the Brighton faithful

One of this season's bargain signings has to be Brighton's Pascal Gross. Without the creative German midfielder, it's safe to say that the Seagulls would not be in their current position outside the relegation zone at this stage of the campaign.

When the club signed Gross for a steal of £3million from relegated Bundesliga side FC Ingolstadt, there were many supporters who did not quite know who the player was, nor his reputation either.

During his last year, he lead the Bundesliga in terms of created chances with 95 - his goals and assists from that term (11) has already been matched this season, with five goals and six assists thus far. These are statistics that should be respected, especially given just how Brighton have struggled in the final third for sustained periods in 2017/18.

Despite the praise that captain Lewis Dunk has received on the whole, Gross has been their standout performer. His quality from set-pieces, with his crossing ability and capability to pick out passes is nothing that can be matched by any of his team-mates.

His footballing brain allows him to be one of the most effective central attackers in the top-flight, while his determination and willigness to contribute to the unglamourous side of the game allows him to drop in and play as a central midfielder too.

Still involved in the relegation battle this season, how Brighton's season unfolds will determine whether they manage to retain Gross in the long-term. Their investment already is worth at least five times the fee they paid for him, as £15m for a player of his quality would be considered a steal in the current market.