Gruda is a 'generational talent'

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The lowdown on our new German midfielder.

2024-08-21T10:00+01:00

Albion's new midfielder has been described as a 'generational talent.'

Brajan Gruda is a player who can "win games on his own" and is only likely to get better under head coach Fabian Hurzeler's tutelage.

That is according to Fotbollskanalen journalist Keven Bader, who has closely followed the attacking midfielder's progress since he made his first-team debut for Mainz 05 in January 2023.

The 20-year-old, who scored four goals and bagged three assists last season, joined Albion on a four-year deal earlier this month and now he has been backed to be an exciting Premier League addition. "Brighton are getting a player who can win games on his own; a player who possesses the ability to do that little bit extra. He is not afraid to take risks," said Bader.

"His main strength is his skill with the ball. He is very technically gifted. It is no coincidence that Julian Nagelsmann wanted Gruda to train with the German national team before Euro 2024. If he continues on this path, he will be in Germany's 2026 World Cup squad."

His attacking talents are plain to see as the Germany under-21 international was in the top five per cent for progressive carries, fouls drawn, and successful take-ons among Bundesliga attacking midfielders and wingers.

That is why Bild reporter, Johannes Wolf, believes the former Karlsruher SC youth player is a "generational talent".

"Brighton are getting one of the biggest European talents in his position. He was one of the key reasons why Mainz secured a miracle finish and stayed in the Bundesliga," he said. "He was one of the best one-on-one players in the league, with only Bayern Munich's Leroy Sane and Stuttgart's Chris Fuhrich having more touches with a subsequent dribble in the Bundesliga.

Brajan Gruda played a big part in helping former club Mainz 05 avoid relegation from the Bundesliga.

"Gruda plays like a boy in the streets. He likes to be creative with the ball and that makes him so hard to defend against. His best position at Mainz was behind the striker, but he can also play as a right winger. I think Brighton have found something special - a generational talent." Gruda, however, is still in the early stages of his professional career. He has made 32 appearances to date and as a result, may need time to adapt to the fast-paced English top-flight.

Despite that, Brighton may be the ideal place for the youngster, who captained Mainz's under-19 side to the German title for only the second time in the club’s history, to show off his considerable pedigree. “Early on, he struggled with his defensive awareness and tasks against the ball. He is on the right track but has room to improve. Also, he will need to get stronger to adapt to the physical Premier League,” said Wolf.

“He might need a few months to do that but I have zero doubt he can be a difference-maker for Brighton soon. He showed that he can step up to bigger opportunities. Whenever he got onto a bigger stage, he raised his game.” Bader added: “I have no doubts about his ability as a player, however it will be interesting to see how he copes with the move to England. He can make somewhat naive decisions but with time he will become more confident with his decision-making.

“Looking at Brighton as a team, though, I think Gruda fits them like a glove. It is also to a great advantage that Fabian Hurzeler is Brighton’s coach. A coach who has seen Gruda play many times before and knows how to play.” One man who is certainly an admirer of Gruda is German and Bayern legend Thomas Muller.

The veteran gave his assessment of the 5ft 10in player after playing against him earlier this year and his verdict will certainly excite Brighton fans. "When you watch him, you see that he has something special. It's about consistency for him now. That's why I got his jersey back then and made it public. I thought he was remarkably good," said the 34-year-old.