The next league in the series is the Championship in England, a place where youth from the lower leagues meets rejects from the Premier League to create an exciting blend football which can make or break players. Throw in a few foreign talents and there you have it: a league which is sometimes considered more exciting than the Premier division. However, what both leagues do offer is the fact that the underdogs come out on top more often than is expected. No one is safe in these leagues. Anyway, down to my list:
1. Ross McCormack
The 27-year-old Leeds United striker has been in fine form this season, and he’s currently leading the pack of top goalscorers with 11 in the league as well as two assists. A national team player for Scotland, he has international experience which can get you a long way in the modern game.
2. Craig Bryson
Another 27-year-old on the list and another player who is in great form this season, as he’s scored six goals and registered six assists in 15 appearances for Derby County. Bryson is a creative, goal-scoring, attacking midfielder who would be perfect for some Premier League clubs should they decide to look at this level of football.
3. Tom Ince
The Blackpool winger was subject to intense interest from Livepool over the summer and January of this year, with many reports suggesting that Ince would be joining the Merseysiders. However, he remained at Blackpool and has recorded six goals and three assists in 12 games.
4. Danny Ings
The Englishman is another player in great form this season in front of goal, tied in third place on nine with Sam Vokes and James Vaughan. He also has four assists, making him the joint best in terms of goals scored and assisted. The player has attracted interest from Newcastle, Aston Villa and Hull City in the past few months, so Burnley will face a fight to keep him.
5. Will Hughes
The Derby County star is an extremely exciting talent and has been dubbed ‘the new Jack Wilshere’ because of the similarities between the players. Hughes is very good at dribbling past players without using too much skill, often seeming to just glide past the opposition. Liverpool have been fond admirers of Hughes for a long time now but have recently been joined in the race to sign him by Arsenal.
6. Scott Dann
The fomer Birmingham City defender is now part of the set up at Blackburn and has been for a couple of years. A consistent and tough tackling defender that is good in the air, Dann has been tracked by Arsenal in the past.
7. Jason Lowe
The England U21 international is highly rated at Blackburn for his solid displays at the heart of the midfield. This has earned him regular call ups for the national side and has also attracted interest from numerous teams in the Premier League.