Oct 7, 2026 3:13 PM

A returning German legend faces off against a prolific teenage sensation as two Albion stars dominate the PFA shortlist following a clinical, goal-heavy month on the South Coast.

Brighton and Hove Albion's finest continue to deliver. Both Pascal Groß and Charalampos (Babis) Kostoulas have been nominated for the PFA Player of the Month award for September. 

The second-monthly award nomination for the duo, as Groß won the Premier League official Player of the Month. 

Is there a case for Babis to beat him? 

While it seems fairly obvious that Groß would deserve to win the fan award, there is still a case for the Greek striker to be included in the considerations.

Kostoulas scored in every game of the month, adding to his tally of four goals and two assists in just eight games. Kostoulas notably scored against all of Coventry City (league), Manchester United (cup), and Arsenal (league) in successive matches in the same week. 

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The Greek striker scored a fantastic strike from outside of the area to take the game away from the Champions, firing low past David Raya. 

His goal at Coventry was just as good, if not better. A smart piece of skill to take on two defenders before hammering his volley hard and low into the ground, beating former Albion goalkeeper Carl Rushworth.

One thing is for certain: Kostoulas knows how to score goals. His instinctive nature in front of goal follows suit with Fabian Hürzeler's previous praise, calling him a 'natural goalscorer'. It seems as though the decision to promote him to the first team is paying early dividends. 

Who deserves it most? 

Despite an incredible moment for Kostoulas, it is simply impossible to overlook Groß. The legendary German midfielder is back and arguably better than ever. Since his return to the club in January, things have just seemed to click a little bit easier, and as we know, Groß gets the club both on and off the pitch more than most can imagine. 

From the first interview to the rise in form, the ambition, leadership, and quality on the pitch have been second to none. They say never go back, but Groß has only cemented himself as a legend down on the South Coast. 

Similar to Kostoulas, Groß enjoyed goals against all three of Coventry, United, and Arsenal. Goals of the highest order, and a well-taken penalty away in the West Midlands. 

Groß recorded five of his joint league-leading six goal involvements in September, scoring twice and accumulating three assists. This Premier League statistic doesn't even mention his well-taken strike against United in the Carabao Cup! 

Realistically, these sorts of numbers and pure eye test results for a 35-year-old returning legend are impossible to ignore, and simply, he deserves to win the fan award alongside the official one! 

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