This year’s Championship season is likely to see perennial yo-yo clubs like Leeds United, Sheffield United, and Burnley be promoted to the Premier League, but which Championship players are most ready for a step up to England’s top division?
At The Deck, all games have been analysed to compile a list of the five players who are most ready to make their Premier League debuts. They include some of the most talented players to ever play in the second tier of English football from five different clubs.
In this list, any player who has made a single appearance in one of Europe’s top seven leagues has been excluded. This ruled out the likes of up-and-coming stars Shea Charles and Ronnie Edwards who have each made one appearance in the English topflight in addition to Sunderland stars Wilson Isidor and Enzo Le Fee, and Leeds United striker Joel Piroe who have made appearances in Ligue 1, Serie A, and Eredivisie respectively.
Honourable Mentions – Chris Rigg, Souleymane Sidibe, Rocco Vata
These three players are all teenagers who possibly require another season of Championship level football to gain more experience at the senior level as well as allowing them more time to become accustomed to the physicality required in the Premier League.
Of these players, Chris Rigg is the most talented and will surely make a move sooner rather than later to a top-division side. He is extremely technical, possessing the ability to glide away from defenders and play defence-splitting passes to attackers.
Defensively he can maintain an intense pressing game while also having the instincts to position himself well among his teammates. He is arguably the most talented player currently playing in the Championship.
5. Finn Azaz, 24, Middlesbrough
Finn Azaz joined Middlesbrough at the start of 2024, transferring midway through the previous season from Aston Villa after a loan to fellow Championship side Plymouth Argyle. The attacking midfielder has played the majority of the season as the number 10 but has filled in on occasion down the left wing.
He can guide counterattacks well using his eye for a pass and ball-striking technique to great effect. This combination of skills has resulted in the Irish international ranking second in the division for assists while also contributing nine league goals.
Azaz shows great intelligence off the pitch too, achieving multiple A*s in his GCSEs.
4. Callum Doyle, 20, Norwich City (loan)
Callum Doyle started his career at Manchester City but has yet to appear for the senior side under legendary manager Pep Guardiola.
Instead, the young defender has found himself on loan for the fourth time in his career, this time at Championship side Norwich City. Under head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup, Doyle has played a mixture of both left-back and centre-back.
Whilst he is perhaps not the most natural crosser of the ball, Doyle has still accumulated six assists in the league so far whilst also showcasing his great passing skills from the back.
At this moment, he would be better suited as a full-back than a centre-back whilst he refines his defensive game. He certainly has the height and technical quality to make an immediate impact in the Premier League.
3. Harrison Burrows, 23, Sheffield United
The 23-year-old left-back started his footballing life at Peterborough United. Working his way up through the ranks, Burrows played 185 games for the senior side before his move at the start of this season to Championship promotion candidates Sheffield United.
Last year, the defender was named League One Player of the Season and he’s maintained his high level of form after moving clubs. So far this season, he has scored five goals whilst assisting two more.
He’s an excellent passer and crosser of the ball whilst also being a great set-piece taker. Those skills should allow him to play a role at the top level as either a full-back or a wing-back. He can on occasion be caught defensively, especially when battling for aerial duels. It remains to be seen if this will hinder him at the top level.
2. Jack Rudoni, 23, Coventry City
Wearing the number 5 shirt like Zinedine Zidane, Jack Rudoni has been exceptional this season in midfield for Coventry City. Under the tutelage of Frank Lampard, the young Englishman has developed a complete game in midfield.
He compiles assists for fun, ranking second in the Championship for assists behind Tom Fellows, without shirking his defensive responsibilities. His physical profile combined with his work rate and intensity should translate well to the Premier League.
His slow start at the beginning of this campaign makes it seem likely that Rudoni would be better off joining a club in the top division who could allow him the time to adapt. Either way, his exciting journey up the footballing pyramid from AFC Wimbledon has been fascinating to follow.
1. Jobe Bellingham, 19, Sunderland
There are no prizes for guessing who the obvious candidate is. Sharing some genes with the greatest football export that England has ever created helps but Jobe Bellingham is a fantastic prospect in his own right.
So far this season, the young midfielder has shown that he can operate in a double pivot or as a second striker. Whilst his finishing hasn’t been great, he is able to dribble with the ball in a way that not many players of his height can. This allows him to win fouls consistently as well as create some separation to play passes.
He passes in a similar fashion to Bruno Fernandes, often attempting creative through balls which risk losing possession. His willingness to take risks is something that will translate very well to the top division of English football.
The defensive side of his game is fantastic too, he uses his strength well, aggressively challenging opponents on a consistent basis. He should well suited to the fast paced action of the Premier League.