Championship Watch: 9 Players Ready to Step Up to the Premier League

The Championship is awash with talented stars, many of whom are keen to prove that they are ready to step up to the Premier League.

And if England’s World Cup squad was anything to go by, the Football League can be a perfect stepping stone to elite levels – 17 of Gareth Southgate’s 23 in Russia last summer had previously played in England’s bottom three divisions.

This season, James Maddison, David Brooks and Conor Coady have adapted seamlessly to the Premier League, having spent the previous campaign in England’s second tier.

With Premier League clubs casting an ever-watchful eye over the Championship, which of the current crop could be ready to make the step up?

Pontus Jansson– Leeds United

Leeds fans have been banging on about the centre-back for years, and for good reason.

The Swede is everything you want in a centre-back – strong, tough-tackling and a born leader.

He’s also pretty handy in the opposition box, and has netted seven in 94 appearances for Leeds.

Harry Wilson- Derby County

Wilson brought himself to the attention of most fans earlier this season, when his thunderous free-kick helped Derby knock Manchester United out of the League Cup.

That’s become something of a speciality this season for the youngster, who also netted a free-kick for Wales against Ireland in October.

The winger is set to return to Liverpool in the summer, and while not quite ready to compete for a spot in Jurgen Klopp’s squad, Wilson certainly looks capable of playing in the Premier League.

Joe Allen– Stoke City

For the first time in eight years Allen is playing in England’s second tier and the midfielder has perhaps been Stoke’s best performer this season.

Calm and assured on the ball, the Welshman is one of the top passers in the division.

Given his quality, a Premier League side will almost certainly come in for Allen next summer – should Stoke fail to gain promotion, of course.

Callum Robinson– Preston North End

Now in his third full season in Lancashire following his move from Aston Villa, Robinson has become the Lilywhites go-to guy.

He has netted ten goals in 19 games this campaign and his impressive showings even earned him a first international call-up with the Republic of Ireland in September.

Cutting in from the lefthand-side, he has proved lethal for Alex Neil’s team, yet an unfortunate hamstring injury means he will be ruled out for at least three months.

Neal Maupay– Brentford

The Frenchman has probably been the best striker in the Championship this season.

Maupay is the league’s top scorer with 13 goals in 17 games and has also been credited with six assists.

Brentford have earned a reputation as a selling club in the last few years, and could soon be tempted to once again cash-in on one of their top stars.

Emiliano Buendia– Norwich City

After a slow start to the season the Argentinian is beginning to show why Norwich were so keen to sign him last summer.

Buendia has been directly involved in five goals in his last six games and has become a vital part of Daniel Farke’s side.

As well as his raw attacking talent, the winger is also a tireless worker.

Reece James– Wigan Athletic

One of the 4,872 Chelsea loanees, James is thriving at the DW.

The defender was voted the club’s player of the month for September and October and has recently been linked with a move to Brighton.

A typical modern full-back, James is a powerful dribbler who likes to burst from deep positions, and one who could certainly be playing Premier League football this time next year.

Matt Phillips– West Bromwich Albion

Another who only recently dropped down to the Championship, Phillips has been excellent so far this season.

As many Premier League watchers will know, the winger is skilful, direct and is a wonderful crosser of the ball.

In 15 league games this campaign he has registered an impressive five goals and three assists.

Jack Grealish– Aston Villa

The darling of Villa Park was so nearly on his way to Tottenham last summer, for a reported fee of £30m.

Yet much to the claret and blues’ delight, he remained to fight another day in the West Midlands.

A silky dribbler who is the most fouled player in the Championship, Grealish is key to any success Villa may have this campaign. Should they fail to gain promotion again this year, ‘Super Jack’ will almost certainly be forced to leave his boyhood club.