With less than two weeks to go until Championship football returns, anticipation is building for what promises to be one of the most competitive and unpredictable seasons yet, writes Benn Whittle.
As clubs across the league prepare to battle for promotion, survival, or stability, individual players will be key to shaping their teams’ fortunes. This article highlights 10 players to watch out for—individuals who could play pivotal roles in their club’s ambitions over the coming months.
Jack Rudoni (Coventry City)
Jack Rudoni has emerged as a standout talent for Coventry City last season, showcasing a meteoric rise from his early days at AFC Wimbledon to becoming a pivotal figure in the Sky Blues’ midfield. At just 24, Rudoni’s journey through the ranks—has culminated in a dynamic presence at Coventry, where he joined from Huddersfield Town in 2024 for a reported £6 million.
His versatility shines through in his ability to seamlessly adapt across multiple midfield roles, whether deployed as an attacking playmaker in a 4-2-3-1, a central midfielder, or even drifting to the left or right wings. Rudoni’s tactical intelligence, relentless energy, and technical quality allow him to excel in build-up play, chance creation, and late runs into the box, contributing an impressive 10 goals and 13 assists last term.
His heat map reveals a player comfortable operating in both half-spaces, linking play with incisive passes and progressive dribbles, while his aerial prowess and composure in high-pressure moments make him a complete midfielder for Frank Lampard’s side this season.
Ebou Adams (Derby County)
Derby’s Gambian captain has become the vital cog in the team since his permanent arrival from Cardiff City last summer. He won more tackles than any Championship player in 2024/25 while also chipping in with six goals – including vital strikes in some vital relegation six-pointers. His leadership was instrumental, earning him a clean sweep of club awards. Now 29 and entering his prime, Adams’ combative style and improving distribution make him crucial to John Eustace’s plans. While fellow Championship sides are circling, Derby will fight to keep their skipper as they aim for a more comfortable season away from the relegation dogfight.
Finn Azaz (Southampton)
Southamptons new marquee signing, arriving from Middlesbrough will be aiming to bolster their efforts for an immediate return to the Premier League. Previously, Azaz developed into the heart of Middlesbrough’s play following his permanent arrival in January last year. His standout campaign last term – featuring 9 goals, 8 assists, and a Championship Player of the Month award in November – showcased his ability to unlock defences with incisive passing and tricky movement. Operating primarily as an attacking midfielder but also comfortable in deeper roles, his pass accuracy and key passes stats per game were among the best rated in the division. Azaz will be looking to make an immediate positive impact on a Saints squad that has experienced a mixed start to the season. While some questions have been asked about his defensive work rate, there’s no doubting his potential to be Southampton’s match-winner. With the Saints aiming to secure an immediate return to the top flight this year, Azaz’s creativity will be crucial.
Giorgi Chakvetadze (Watford)
The Georgian playmaker has blossomed into Watford’s midfielder since his permanent arrival last year. Chakvetadze’s technical class was evident last term as he became the only Championship midfielder to register 50+ shots, chances created and successful dribbles. His performances in last year’s Euros for Georgia further highlighted his quality, with his ability to dictate tempo and play killer passes making him Watford’s chief attacking outlet. Now fully recovered from previous ACL injuries, the 25-year-old could be the difference-maker in Watford’s fresh push for their past heights under new head coach Paulo Pezzolano
Jimmy Dunne (QPR)
The newly-appointed QPR captain enters the season as one of the division’s most dominant defenders. Standing at 6’3″, Dunne won more aerial duels at 118 than any Championship centre-back last season while also contributing five goals – including crucial strikes against Sheffield United and Norwich. His leadership through QPR’s turbulent campaign, which saw three managerial changes, earned him a clean sweep of club awards. Now working under Julien Stephan, Dunne’s leadership and threat in both boxes will be vital if QPR are to improve on last season’s mid-table finish. At 27, he’s entering his prime years and could soon add to his solitary Ireland cap.
Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough)
Hayden Hackney has emerged as a cornerstone of Middlesbrough’s midfield last season. His rise from academy prospect to a key first-team player has epitomised the club’s faith in homegrown talent. Joining Boro’s Academy at the Under-10 level, Hackney honed his craft through youth ranks and a formative loan spell at Scunthorpe United in 2021, before breaking into Middlesbrough’s senior side under Michael Carrick.
Now 23, his versatility, capable of operating as a deep-lying playmaker, a box-to-box dynamo, or even an attacking midfielder, has made him indispensable, with 43 appearances, 5 goals, and 3 assists last season. Hackney’s ability to dictate tempo with precise passing completion and progressive passes, combined with his tenacity in winning 2.40 tackles per game, showcases his all-around game. His heat map reflects a dominant presence, progressing the ball through dribbles and breaking lines with long passes, while his defensive growth under Carrick has seen him excel in interceptions and recoveries. As interest from the Premier League mounts, Hackney’s blend of technical flair and work rate marks him as a future star.
Tom Fellows (Southampton)
Fresh from his first full season playing Championship football with West Brom, Fellows has developed into one of the most exciting attacking threats in the EFL. With his direct running and impressive end product of 5 goals and 4 assists last term, he was a nightmare for full-backs, while his versatility to play either flank added tactical flexibility. Now, having secured a £10 million move to Southampton, who are currently aiming for a swift return to the Premier League, Fellows’ energetic style is well-suited to their fast-paced system under Will Still. Alongside fellow new signing Finn Azaz, who joined from Middlesbrough for a reported £12 million and brings a proven Championship record of 23 goals and 22 assists in 92 appearances, Fellows strengthens Southampton’s attacking options. The Saints will be hoping to build around these players, following interest from clubs like Everton who reportedly made large offers for Fellows. If he can convert more of his successful dribbles per game into goals and assists, Fellows could follow in the footsteps of recent Albion wingers in becoming a Premier League-calibre talent, helping Southampton achieve their promotion ambitions.
James Beadle (Birmingham City)
Fresh from helping England U21’s retain their European Championship title, Beadle arrives at St Andrew’s with huge potential. The 6’2″ goalkeeper had an in-and-out season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday last season, keeping eight clean sheets and showcasing excellent distribution – a key attribute for Birmingham’s possession-based approach. His shot-stopping and command of his area shouldn’t be possible at only 21 years old, and with Birmingham’s ambitious new owners backing Chris Davies in the transfer market, Beadle could be the foundation of a mid-table or even play-off push. Another strong season may see him return from his loan to the south coast and claim his stake as Brighton’s No.1.
Ellis Simms (Coventry City)
The powerful 6’3″ striker showed glimpses of his potential last term with 11 goals, but Coventry fans believe there’s more to come. Simms’ aerial dominance and improving link-up play made him the perfect focal point for Frank Lampard’s attacking system, while his goals helped rejuvenate Coventry’s season. Still only 24, if he can improve his conversion rate and reach the 15-goal mark, he could fire Coventry once again into play-off contention. With his contract running until 2027, the Sky Blues will hope to keep hold of their prized asset as he enters his peak years.
Leif Davis (Ipswich Town)
Ipswich Town’s left-back faces a pivotal season following the club’s promotion to the Championship. Leif Davis, at 25, has established himself as one of the division’s premier attacking full-backs, contributing 2 goals and 18 assists during a campaign that saw the Tractor Boys promoted to the top flight for the first time in 22 years. Davis showcased his ability to influence games from the left flank. His relentless overlapping runs and pinpoint crossing make him a constant threat with his defensive nous has also improved, with 1.9 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game, reflecting his growing all-around game under Kieran McKenna’s high-pressing system. His heat map shows a player who dominates the left channel, often venturing into attacking areas to deliver dangerous balls into the box. As Ipswich aim to go straight back to the Premier League, Davis’s attacking output and defensive solidity will be crucial. Strong performances could attract attention from top clubs, but his focus remains on helping Ipswich push for another promotion.
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