There is no doubt that Germany are the best footballing nation in the world.

The reigning World Cup winners triumphed in the Federations Cup in Russia with a weakened side and their under-21s are the new European Championship.

Albion are hoping that tapping into a Teutonic connection can help them survive in the Premier League.

First summer signing Pascal Gross has joined Uwe Huenemeier in Chris Hughton's squad as they prepare for the new season in Austria.

The No.10 from Ingolstadt has already established a good relationship with former Paderborn central defender Huenemeier (below).

The Argus: And he is already showing Hughton exactly why Albion signed him on the training camp in Leogang.

Hughton told The Argus: "Probably the early impressions are exactly what we thought. We watched him for a long time.

"I don't think there are going to be too many surprises in the way that he plays.

"He is a high energy runner in an advanced midfield position.

"We knew he spoke very good English and the Germans generally have good English and a good mentality for the game.

"He has settled in very well. I think the fact that Uwe is here has helped him. Those two have hit it off and got very close.

"Even without that, his English is very good and that really helps."

Gross will make his Albion debut in Friday's opening pre-season friendly in Austria against Fortuna Dusseldorf.

The German opponents will be facing his relegated ex-employers Ingolstadt in Bundesliga 2 this season.