Games
The best young players you don’t see on Match of the Day every Saturday night.
We’re all guilty of focusing on the Premier League players that frequently grace our television sets, but it’s worth remembering that there are more than 20 football clubs in England. Some of the better teams in The Championship arguably boast better squads than the also-rans that make up the numbers in England’s top flight.
With that in mind, we’ve decided to give you the rundown on the best young players The Championship has to offer. While there are a few on this list that will need to be given time to develop, we’ve also found a couple that could easily fit into your first team right now.
GK: Arijanet Muric (Nottingham Forest)
Muric, who is actually a Man City player who's been loaned out to Forest, can be picked up for around £2m. Given the quality of his shotstopping, that’s an absolute steal. He’s rated 68 overall, but can reach as high as 83 if you give him game time. His GK Kicking (76) is amazing for his age and his GK Reflexes (71) and GK Diving (70) aren’t that far behind. This lad will be something special in a few years. Ensure he fulfils this potential while wearing your club’s shirt...
RB: Jayden Bogle (Derby County)
If his club had been promoted last year Jayden Bogle would be spoken about in the same breath as some of the hottest young talents in the Premier League. Derby County’s right-back has all the makings of a future superstar for club and country, as highlighted by his potential overall of 84. Like many modern full-backs, Bogle’s strength is his pace. Acceleration (84), Sprint Speed (78), Agility (76): this young lad can be bombing up and down the wing for you if you get him to sign on the dotted line.
CB: Nathan Wood (Middlebrough)
The first Nathan in our centre-half pairing, Wood’s success at your club is dependent in your interest to a long-term project. His current overall of 61 won’t set many tongues wagging, but his potential of 82 certainly will. Still, some of the 17-year-old’s present-day stats aren’t to be sniffed at: he has a Sprint Speed of 71 and 67-rated Strength. He’s also solid on crosses into the box because of his 70-rated Jumping. If you’re willing to put in the work with Wood, you’ve got yourself someone that can be the rock of your defence for the next decade or more.
CB: Nathan Collins (Stoke City)
This Irish teenager is yet to muscle his way into the Stoke City first team – surprising, given his 6ft4” frame – but in time you'd better believe he’ll be one of the first names in the starting XI. Unless you sign him, of course. With a current overall of 63, Collins has the ability to make one of the larger jumps on this list and can finish on an overall rating of 84. He’s strong, has superb stamina and is good with his head. He’s not the finished article, sure, but you snap him up for a cool 'mill' now and watch as his market value skyrockets over the course of a few seaons.
LB: Jay Dasilva (Bristol City)
Many are expecting great things from Jay Dasilva. This Luton-born left-full is a bargain at around £3 million. If you give him the opportunity to run up and down the flanks, which he’ll gladly do for the full 90 minutes, he’s sure to nab myriad assists; his Acceleration (89), Balance (84) and Agility (83) are so good that he’s comfortably able to come back and defend if your side ever loses possession while on the attack. And he’s not afraid to put the boot in either: while not the strongest aspect of his game, his Stand Tackle (72) and Slide Tackle (68) show he won’t shy away from a 50/50.
CDM: Trevoh Chalobah (Huddersfield Town)
Another slightly cheat-y one as Nathaniel Chalobah’s brother is only on loan from Chelsea; regardless, you should definitely take a look at the 20-year-old. With an overall of 69, Trevoh Chalobah’s best qualities are his Strength (73), Aggression (72) and Interceptions (72). He’s perfect if you’re looking for a relatively cheap defensive midfielder: his price tag is a measly £1.8m. Guide the young man and you can see him blossom into an 82-rated CDM. He’s been on Chelsea’s books since 2018 and is yet to play a game for them, so sign him up now before Lamps realises how good this kid actually is.
CAM: Eberechi Eze (Queens Park Rangers)
While QPR may not be having the best season, young Eberechi Eze is making his presence known in midfield. The 21-year-old has scored 10 in 21 appearances: a glimpse into the lad’s future, no doubt. His ball skills are stellar, as is his short game. Physically, he’s got great Acceleration (76) and even better Agility (78); he’s also mentally strong, as both his Vision and Composure are in the early 70s.
CM: Han-Noah Massengo (Bristol City)
He was the first man born in the 21st century to play in a Champions League match and he can aid you in your quest to win that famous trophy if you manage to coax him away from Ashton Gate. At only 18-years-old, Han-Noah Massengo’s already being touted as one to watch and for good reason: he has terrific Balance (77) and a great passing game that will only improve as he matures into the 84-rated player he’s expected to become. The teenage playmaker should most definitely be on your shortlist.
RW: Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford)
There’s a strong case to be made for Bryan Mbeumo bypassing your bench. The 20-year-old Frenchman has averaged about a goal every three games for his Championship side; a lot of that will be down to his outrageous Agility (91), Acceleration (83) and Sprint Speed (82) on the wing. He’s also not too shabby when given half a chance: Mbeumo’s Shot Power (74) and Finishing (72), on top of his aforementioned attributes, give him an overall of 73. He’s a bit pricier – you’re looking at approximately £6.5m or so – but don’t let that deter you. He has a potential overall of 84, making that valuation pretty reasonable. Get this young man on your books as soon as possible.
LW: Marcus Tavernier (Middlesbrough)
Sign Boro’s 20-year-old left-sided winger and you’ll get yourself an accomplished dribbler with fine control of the ball at his feet. Tavernier’s 79-rated Sprint Speed and Balance obviously stand out, as does his Acceleration, which is currently 78. Though his overall will be 68 when you bring him in, know that he has the ability to gain 12 points over the course of his career. Definitely one to look at if you want some pace to the left of your striker.
ST: Rhian Brewster (Swansea City)
On loan to the Welsh club from soon-to-be Premier League champions Liverpool, Rhian Brewster is your next world-class striker. For only £1.5 million, you can get his signature now and help him achieve that 85 overall rating he’s en route to. Even now, at 19, he’s got great Agility (77), Sprint Speed (76) and Acceleration (78). On top of that, Brewster’s Attacking Position (68) and Finishing (67) are of a decent standard; nurture the teen and you’ll see that shoot up over the course of a few seasons.
.png)
