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Championship Players To Watch This Season

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Who to Look Out for in this Season’s EFL Championship

 

Championship Players To Watch This Season

The EFL Championship swings back into action on Friday 6 August and pre-season is well underway for all 24 teams. The strength and depth of the teams involved means that this season is shaping up to be one of the closest contests we have seen for many years. Last seasons’ three relegated teams are among the favourites to win promotion back to the Premier League, but there are a number of teams who, on paper at least, could mount a serious promotion-bid.

The Championship is a notoriously difficult league, being comprised of a number of equally matched teams. The competitiveness of the league leads to unpredictable results and often produces surprising title contenders each year. Last season it was Barnsley, who finished a highly creditable fifth under the leadership of Valerien Ismael, who has since moved on to manage West Brom.

In a league where closely contested matches are a weekly occurrence, it often comes down to certain individuals who can make the difference during tight games. We’re going to take a look at some Championship players to watch this season and if they have a good year then there’s a strong possibility of their team’s finding themselves near the top of the table next May.

 

Adam Armstrong (Blackburn Rovers)

The 23 year old forward enjoyed a breakout season last year, scoring 28 goals in 40 league appearances. After such a prolific season it is not surprising that other clubs are interested in signing him, with Blackburn recently rejecting a £15 million bid from Watford. The Ewood Park club are keen to hold onto their striker and feel that he is central to a potential promotion push. Armstrong’s keen eye for goal scoring opportunities and his reading of the game are key strengths, with another 25+ goal season expected, if he remains at the club.

 

Arnaut Danjuma (Bournemouth)

The Dutch winger made a significant impact in the Championship last season and was a big reason why Bournemouth reached the play-off semi-finals, eventually losing to Brentford. He can face the prospect of another season in the Championship with the knowledge that he possesses all the tools needed to succeed in this league. Danjuma often demonstrated not only his amazing dribbling and crossing skills, but also developed his goal scoring, contributing 17 goals and 7 assists last season. Scott Parker will be keen to ward off interest from Villarreal, who tabled a £13 million offer, which was soundly rejected by the club. Bournemouth fans will hope to see more from the wide man next season, with more goals and assists coming from the left winger.

 

Dael Fry (Middlesbrough)

Even though Fry is only 23 years old, he has already made 138 first team appearances for ‘Boro, making his debut at just 17 years of age. He has been ear-marked as having Premier League quality for a few years now, but he has remained loyal to the club. Last summer he was the subject of a number of transfer rumours and again this year he seems to be interesting Leeds United and Southampton, but Neil Warnock is adamant that his young defender will remain at the Riverside Stadium. Having a reliable and solid backline is vital to a successful season and if Fry can add a little more muscle to his slender frame, he could be a force to reckon with at the back this season.

 

Matt Grimes (Swansea City)

Although he is the oldest player on this list, the central midfielder has consistently been improving his all round game in recent seasons and is developing into a talisman captain at Swansea. He has experience of playing in the Premier League and should be playing at that level every week, a notion that is shared by Fulham who have been linked with a move for the player. Grimes played all but one league game for the Swans last season and his reliability and consistency could prove invaluable next season. The continuing uncertainty over Steve Cooper’s replacement means that Grimes might be sold before before a new manager is installed. If he does remain at the Liberty Stadium, he will unquestionably be an integral part of Swansea’s promotion campaign.

 

Ilias Chair (Queens Park Rangers)

When Eberechi Eze departed QPR for Crystal Palace he left a huge void that needed filling and it was the Moroccan international who stepped up and is making the role his own. The 23 year old, attacking midfielder, showed glimpses of outstanding talent last season and fans of the ‘Super Hoops‘ will be hoping for more of the same next season. At times, Chair can be an electrifying attacking force who terrifies defences, but he needs to work harder at the other end of the field. Even though he still has four more years remaining on his contract, he has been linked with a move to Watford and Anderlecht. Chair needs to produce more consistent displays and build on last season’s contributions if QPR aim to finisher higher than last season’s 9th place.

 

Ovie Ejaria (Reading)

After joining the Royals from Liverpool last August, Ejaria has settled into life at the Madejski Stadium and laid the foundations for what could be an outstanding season. The extremely skilful former England U21 midfielder has the ability to play out of tight positions, draw in defenders and make space for his teammates. Last season Reading made a blistering start to their league campaign under Veljko Paunović, but it petered out, with them eventually ending up in seventh place. Next season, Ejaria should be expected to flourish in his second season under Paunović with both the player and manager being more familiar with their surroundings.

 

We hope you enjoyed this article ‘Championship Players To Watch This Season’. Who are you most looking forward to watching in the Championship this season? Let us know!

 

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Drew is a lifelong sports fan from Bristol who currently lives and works in Hong Kong. He has a keen interest in football, rugby, cricket, F1 and NFL.

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