With the January transfer window open, a number of clubs in League One and Two will be looking to add to their squads for the second half of the season.

A number of sides may look to the National League to support their recruitment. There is an abundance of talent in the fifth tier that clubs could take advantage of.

This article, using statistics from Sofascore and Fotmob, will look at five players who have impressed so far this season and could make the step up to the EFL.

Kyron Gordon – Rochdale

One defender that EFL clubs could look to recruit from the National League is Kyron Gordon. The 23-year-old has been a key component of Rochdale’s defence and challenge for the title.

The defender has made 20 appearances for Dale this season, who have the best defence in the division, conceding 0.7 goals per match. Gordon has shown he is comfortable playing in a side that is built upon a possession-heavy style of play, evident in his 85% pass completion this season.

The 23-year-old’s ability to win his duels has had a considerable impact on Jim McNulty’s side to perform as consistently as they have. Winning an average of 4.8 duels and completing an average of 10 ball recoveries per game provide more reason for EFL clubs to have interest in him.

His versatility would be a key attribute that would benefit League One and Two clubs. Gordon can play at right-back or centre-back and has played in varying formations for Dale so far this season.

National League Lowdown co-host Dan is full of praise for the Rochdale defender:

“In a side that has arguably been the best in the National League so far, Gordon has been a consistently high performer and for me is one of the best defenders in the league.”

With the centre-back out of contract in the summer, Rochdale may look to cash in on their impressive defender to avoid losing him on a free in the summer.

Lewis Simper – Sutton United

Arguably Sutton’s best player over the last 18 months is one that EFL clubs will be looking to prise away from South London. Simper was the U’s joint player of the season last year and has taken that form into this season.

The 24-year-old has 11 goal contributions in the National League so far with eight goals and three assists. He is a consistent threat for opposition goalkeepers with an average of 2.7 shots per game and 0.4 goals per game.

The midfielder’s close control and dribbling skills allow him to get into good attacking areas and create chances for Sutton. The midfielder has a 67% successful dribbles rate so far and completes an average of 1.4 key passes, showcasing his creative ability.

The 24-year-old’s goal against Gateshead was the National League Lowdown’s goal of the month for November and he was included in the podcast’s team of the season so far. His impressive performances have been crucial to Chris Agutter side’s upturn in form.

Another who is out of contract in the summer, he is another player whose side may look to cash in on his impressive performances rather than risk losing him for free in the summer.

Josh Hmami – FC Halifax Town

A player who only signed for Halifax in the summer could be on his way to the EFL this January. Josh Hmami joined the Shaymen from King’s Lynn Town in July and has been an attacking force for his new side.

The 25-year-old has 13 goal contributions so far this season with nine goals and four assists. The midfielder provides a consistent threat to opposition defences and goalkeepers with an average of 1.9 shots per match and 0.4 goals per game.

Similarly to Simper, Hmami’s dribbling ability and close control allow him to consistently get Halifax into dangerous areas of the pitch. So far this season he has a successful dribble rate of 77%, with an average of 1.3 per game.

National League Lowdown co-host Mark is emphasises the value of the former Accrington Stanley youngster to Halifax and the high-ceiling the midfielder has:

“One of the signings of the season in the National League and it’ll take a commanding fee to prize him away. Nothing less than the EFL will do.”

One of the main reasons why the attacking midfielder may gain a move to the EFL is due to previous January transfer windows. When asked the potential sale of Hmami on a previous National League Lowdown podcast, Luke from the Luke Walsh Football Podcast said this:

“We’ve seen it before, last season we (Halifax) lost Andrew Oluwabori who went to Exeter just after January and the year before, Millenic Ali whose now at Luton, he left in January.”

With the club’s history of not standing in a player’s way, Josh Hmami could be the next Halifax talent to make that step up to the EFL. 

Abdul Abdulmalik – Boreham Wood

A forward who has consistently performed at a high level so far this season is Abdul Abdulmalik. The 22-year-old’s performances have been crucial to Boreham Wood’s surprise challenge for the National League title and progression to the FA Cup Third Round.

The winger has scored 10 goals in all competitions so far this season with an average of 0.3 goals-per-game in the National League. A number of impressive attributes have allowed him to become one of the stand-out attackers in the division.

His pace and dribbling ability provide a consistent threat for his side. The former Millwall academy graduate has completed an average of 4.6 successful dribbles per game with a 76% success rate overall.

His ability to beat opposition defenders in 1v1 situations has been a key factor in his impressive goalscoring figures. The attacker has won 6.9 duels per 90 minutes on average this season.

National League Lowdown co-host Dan is confident that the youngster will be playing higher up the pyramid soon:

“We’ve run out of superlatives for Abdulmalik and a lot of his teammates but the forward is absolutely box office and destined for great things.”

The forward has been a key reason why Boreham Wood are in the title race and currently the second top-scorers in the division. Any EFL sides that need some attacking flair added to their line-up should look no further than Abdul Abdulmalik.

Kain Adom – Gateshead

Despite his side sitting bottom of the National League, Kain Adom will be a decent pick-up for any EFL side looking for goals from wide areas. The 24-year-old predominately plays on the right-wing for the Heed and has proved his quality in front of goal.

So far this season, the forward has scored 11 goals in all competitions which have contributed to winning 42% his side’s points total this season. Without Adom, Gateshead would be significantly adrift at the foot of the National League.

His pace and power allow him to beat opposition defenders to get in goalscoring positions. The forward has completed an average of 2.5 successful dribbles per game with a 69% success rate.

His consistent threat to the opponents goal is another reason why EFL clubs could be interested in signing him. Adom has 2.4 shots per game on average and has scored 0.4 goals per game in the National League.

National League Lowdown co-host Dan discussed how important Adom has been for Gateshead in ensuring they are not cut adrift in the relegation battle:

“Adom has nine goals in the league this season but he did pick up an injury in October which did put a stop to his great form and he has struggled since his return from injury.”

“Before the injury he was carrying Gateshead on his back and was the only reason they weren’t in the relegation zone.”

With reported financial trouble at Gateshead, the North East side may look to cash in on their star player in the January transfer window. With this in mind, EFL sides may be able to get themselves a good deal on a forward who has shown his capabilities so far this season.