The League One season is almost at an end and what a season it’s been, but statistically which players would make the team of the season so far if the season was to end now?

To work this out, I will be using the latest SofaScore ratings to work out what the current League One team of the season would be if the campaign were to end now, rather than in a few months.

To select the best possible XI based on the data that the website provides, I have decided to go with the 3-5-2 formation. My reasoning for this decision is based solely on the number of midfielders that are featured in the top end of the ratings.

One question you may be wondering is, Is there a criteria that a player needs to meet to be considered? The answer to that is yes, for players to be selected in this squad they will need to have played at least 60% of the total number of League One minutes that their respected side has played so far this season.

Due to the strict criteria and the high number of players, there have been several surprise exclusions from the squad including; Kwame Poku (Peterborough, 7.31), Antony Evans (Bristol Rovers, 7.30) and Herbie Kane (Barnsley 7.28).

I have also covered League Two and the National League so far and now it’s time to cover League One.

With that being said, let’s take a look at the 2023/24 League One team of the season so far according to SofaScore…

Goalkeeper: Nathan Baxter (7.21)

Kicking off the team between the sticks is Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Nathan Baxter, who has accumulated an average match rating of 7.21, 0.04 higher than Barnsley’s Liam Roberts and Burton’s Max Crocombe.

Baxter has made 28 appearances in League One this season, averaging 2.8 saves per match and has kept an impressive 12 clean sheets, cementing his place firmly in this squad.

Defender: Carl Piergianni (7.43)

Stevenage’s Carl Piergianni is the next inclusion for the League One team of the season so far and with an average rating of 7.43, it would be difficult to leave him out of this team.

The experienced defender is the fourth highest-rated player in the division this season, scoring four goals from 34 appearances and currently averaging 4.7 ball recoveries, 1.4 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per 90 minutes and has played a crucial role under Steve Evans once again this season.

Defender: Eiran Cashin (7.41)

Continuing the defence is Derby’s Eiran Cashin, who has an average match rating of 7.41 in League One this season which means he sits fifth in the League One list or second in the defensive list.

The youngster attracted serious interest from Premier League side Brighton in the summer and with statistics such as 1.8 interceptions, 2.1 tackles and 5.8 ball recoveries, it’s easy to see why he is a man of interest and why the 22-year-old makes this team.

Defender: Harrison Burrows (7.38)

Completing the defence is Peterborough’s Harrison Burrows and once again, it would have been extremely difficult to have left him out, especially with a rating of 7.38.

The full-back scored a brace to send Posh to Wembley in the EFL Trophy but in terms of league action, he’s contributed to 14 goals, an average pass success rate of 82% and nine clean sheets, making him one of the division’s brightest talents.

Midfielder: Cameron Brannagan (7.51)

Kicking off the midfield is Oxford United’s Cameron Brannagan, who is currently League One’s player of the season so far with an average match rating of 7.51.

The 27-year-old has contributed to 14 goals in 33 appearances for Des Buckingham’s side thus far, whilst also averaging 6.9 ball recoveries which showcases how well his all-round game has been this season, ensuring his place in this XI.

Midfielder: Ephron Mason-Clark (7.45)

Next, we return to London Road as Peterborough’s Ephron Mason-Clark makes the list with an average rating of 7.45 this season, which places him second in the entire division and is likely a major factor behind his January switch to Coventry City.

The winger has contributed to 16 goals in 31 league appearances this season, averaging two key passes too and has played a major role behind Peterborough’s continued push for promotion this season.

Midfielder: Marlon Pack (7.44)

Possibly a surprise inclusion sees Portsmouth’s Marlon Pack make the current League One team of the season, averaging an impressive 7.44 across the course of the season so far.

The experienced midfielder has contributed to ten goals in 28 appearances for Pompey this season, but defensively he has also proven to be a rock for John Mousinho’s men, making him the third-highest-performing player in the entire division.

Midfielder: Marc Leonard (7.33)

Many fans may be surprised to see a Northampton Town player appear here, but their loanee Marc Leonard has had a campaign to remember thus far, averaging a rating of 7.33 per game.

With nine goal contributions, an 82% passing success rate and 6.9 ball recoveries per game, the 22-year-old has almost certainly done enough to make this squad and it is no surprise that Championship sides are already queueing up to land him.

Midfielder: Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (7.32)

Completing the midfield is Derby’s Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, who slots just below Leonard with an average rating of 7.32 in League One this season.

The experienced midfielder has an eye-watering 22 goal contributions in just 35 league appearances this season, whilst also averaging two key passes and six team-of-the-week inclusions and has justified his inclusion in this squad.

Forward: Jordan Rhodes (7.31)

Kicking off the attack is Blackpool’s Jordan Rhodes who has finally managed to recapture his old form with an average rating of 7.31, sitting tenth in the entire division.

The Scotsman has scored 15 goals in 25 appearances for the club, which works out at roughly a goal every 140 minutes. His performances have been a major factor behind the club’s push for promotion this season.

Forward: Alfie May (7.23)

Finally, Charlton Athletic’s Alfie May makes the list to complete the squad, despite having an average match rating of 7.23, which places him 13th in the division.

May has scored 17 goals in 32 league games for Nathan Jones’ side since making the switch from Cheltenham Town and averages a goal conversion rate of 15%, which is very high compared to Rhodes’ 12% and therefore ensures his place in the squad.

What are your thoughts on this squad? Which players have been wrongfully included in your opinion? Let us know on Twitter @LSMSportsNews or @CallumLSM.