The 9 most underrated EFL Championship players nobody is talking about | OneFootball

FLW pick out the 9 most underrated players in the Championship who are not getting the acclaim from other fans or pundits alike...

Every Championship season throws up its share of standout performers but, for every headline-maker, there are several others operating just below the surface and who are deserving of far more recognition.

They are delivering consistent quality without receiving the acclaim, with seven or eight out of 10 displays most weeks in the Championship. These are the players who quietly elevate their teams overall and go under the radar, making them underrated.

Not often are they forward players, as they are often without the attacking numbers and output. Those are the ways to end up with narratives building or exposure on highlights packages that typically drives wider praise outside of the fanbase which regularly watches the player.

That said, underrated players come in many forms. Some are unsung heroes within well-structured sides, tasked with doing the less glamorous work that allows others to shine. Others are individuals producing strong performances in struggling teams, where defeats and inconsistency mean their contributions go largely unnoticed.

In those environments, it is often easier to spotlight flaws than appreciate individual quality. There is also a growing trend of younger players being overlooked simply because they are not yet established names. It can take time for wider audiences to catch up, even when the underlying performances suggest a player is already operating at a high level.

The most underrated Championship players in 2025/26

For this list, there is one key rule: one player per club. That inevitably leaves out several worthy candidates, but it also highlights just how widespread this phenomenon is across the division. There are a combination of different positions as well, but many fantastic players were not able to make the cut.

Hector Kpyrianou has done unnoticed work for many EFL seasons now, for example. But there were stronger candidates for "underrated" than the tidy and efficient Watford ace. From emerging talents to experienced operators, the Championship remains full of players performing well above the level of recognition they currently receive.

9 ? ? Max Bird (Bristol City)

Max Bird is quietly establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in the Championship, yet his name rarely enters wider conversations. His composure in possession at the base of midfield, range of passing, and tidy ability to control tempo make him a central figure in Bristol City’s midfield.

He dictates play with confidence and constantly offers angles to progress the ball. There is a calmness to his game that elevates those around him, allowing his side to function with greater control. Given his current level, there is a strong argument that Bird deserves to be competing at the top end of the division.

A move to a club pushing for automatic promotion would not look out of place, and it may only be a matter of time before that opportunity arises. He is seriously outstanding but perhaps somewhat held back. He gets more credit when operating further forward, which happens from time to time.

8 ? ? Koki Saito (Queens Park Rangers)

Koki Saito’s impact goes far beyond goals and assists, which is perhaps why he remains underappreciated. His relentless running, energy, and willingness to what is best for the team is absolutely underrated. His ability to carry the ball makes him a constant outlet for QPR.

He thrives in transitional moments, driving his team up the pitch and relieving pressure through sheer work rate and tight ball control. His technical ability is great for someone without the output which is capable of catching the eye statistically, but his influence on games is significant.

The Japanese winger embodies the type of player who improves a team’s overall functionality. He links phases of play, presses intelligently, and still provides dynamism in attacking areas. It makes him a far more complete contributor than the numbers alone might suggest.

7 ? ? Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers)

The tall and powerful full-back has proven to be an inspired signing for Blackburn Rovers. His pace and power has brought balance, athleticism, and consistency down the right-hand side. In a competitive field at Ewood Park, he just edges out Ryoya Morishita for this spot, underlining the strength of Blackburn’s recent recruitment.

Defensively, he is fairly solid, but he remains capable of contributing going forward. It means Ryan Alebiosu provides a reliable presence in wide areas. His ability to recover, engage in duels, and to support attacks makes him a modern full-back profile that fits seamlessly into Championship football.

He's perhaps done better than many imagined and may not always grab headlines for a team losing more than they win. But his week-to-week performance level has been impressive, and he has quickly become a key part of Blackburn’s setup in 2025/26.

6 ? ? Stanley Mills (Oxford United)

Stanley Mills is a player whose raw output may not immediately stand out, but context is everything. Operating in an Oxford United side that does not create a high volume of chances, he has still shown flashes of real quality and that he is set to end up at a higher level in the near future.

His direct running, willingness to take on defenders, and ability to stretch play make him a valuable attacking outlet already but the dribbling and close control is already there and he simply needs the goal contributions to come. There is a clear sense that, in a more dominant team, his numbers would increase significantly.

The trajectory is what stands out most. Mills looks destined for the top end of the Championship sooner rather than later, with the attributes required to thrive in a more expansive system. He's one Oxford are likely to make serious money on in the near future and many are not aware of this fact.

5 ? ? George Campbell (West Bromwich Albion)

In what has been a very disappointing season for West Bromwich Albion, George Campbell has been one of the few consistent positives. He just pips Danny Imray for this spot, highlighting the individual impact of two defenders in a struggling side.

Strong defensively and showing better composure and confidence in possession by the week, Campbell has shown maturity beyond expectations. He reads the game well, deals with physical challenges effectively, and has even come up with vital goals in the last few months as well.

When a team underperforms, standout individuals can often be overlooked, but Campbell’s displays suggest he has the tools to be a key figure at a higher level. If West Brom stay up, he is one of only a handful that they should look to build around.

4 ? ? Patrick Agyemang (Derby County)

From one American to another, Patrick Agyemang may not produce the same goal and assist numbers as other Championship forwards, but his overall impact is undeniable and extremely underrated. Derry Murkin deserves a shoutout here, but Agyemang was an easy pick as Derby County’s representative due to the unique qualities he brings.

A physically dominant presence, he is a complete wrecking ball of a player. He combines running power, phenomenal aerial ability, and efficient ball carrying all in one go. He can occupy defenders, create space for teammates, and drive his side forward in transition. He's a ridiculous attacking threat.

It's why his long-term injury is such a shame. While the raw output of 10 goals and three assists in 38 games may not yet reflect his influence, the underlying attributes suggest a player with significant upside for Derby eventually. Agyemang’s profile is one that many clubs covet in the modern game now. He's a frightening talent but it's not the common-held view among neutral fans of the Championship.

3 ? ? Terry Devlin (Portsmouth)

One of the bright spots of the Portsmouth relegation battle, Terry Devlin’s transition from central midfield to right-back or wing-back has been one of the more exciting developments this season. The switch has allowed him to utilise his energy and intelligence in a slightly different but highly effective role.

He has easily been Portsmouth’s standout performer, sweeping their end-of-season awards. He has sheer consistency in both defensive and attacking phases and is young enough to go to another gear or two yet, too. His positional awareness continues to improve, while his willingness to get forward with underrated athleticism adds an extra dimension.

It’s a testament to his adaptability that he has made the transition so seamlessly. Players capable of excelling in multiple roles are invaluable, and Devlin has proven exactly that. Expect some transfer talk this summer around the Northern Irishman.

2 ? ? Ethan Galbraith (Swansea City)

Honestly, Ethan Galbraith is a player who has seemingly operated below his true level for several years now. A product of the Man United academy, it's no surprise that he is technically excellent and tactically intelligent. He perhaps has the profile of a player capable of stepping into the Premier League environment.

His versatility as a top drawer central midfielder or classy right-back is underrated. You have to then look at his ability to control possession, dictate tempo, and contribute so consistently every week. He is a well-rounded operator and there is a sharpness to his decision-making that allows him to influence games consistently.

At Swansea City, he has continued to showcase those qualities, but there remains a sense that he is yet to fully receive the recognition his performances warrant. He should not have been playing in League One at the age of 24 and should arguably already be higher up than a mid-table Championship side as well.

1 ? ? Riley McGree (Middlesbrough FC)

Riley McGree takes top spot as arguably the most underrated player in the Championship — and one could even argue the best footballer in the division. His intelligence, versatility, and technical quality is combined with a ridiculous work rate to make him a very exciting attacking midfield profile.

Injuries are perhaps why he is not rated as much as teammate Hayden Hackney or other Championship standouts like Leo Scienza. But, when McGree plays well, Middlesbrough play well. He influences games in subtle ways by linking play and also contributing off the ball without always grabbing headlines.

Injuries have limited his exposure, which is why he is not always placed in conversations with the league’s elite. McGree’s level is exceptional when he has the opportunity to show it. His ability to impact all phases of play makes him invaluable; his lack of widespread recognition only reinforces just how underrated he truly is.