Exclusive: Don Goodman names the 6 most exciting talents in the EFL Championship right now | OneFootball

The Sky Sports pundit has spoken about those who have excited him the most so far this season

Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has picked out the six most exciting talents to have featured in the Championship so far this season.

As has been the case for many years now, the second-tier of English football has become a well-documented breeding ground for homegrown and imported talents to flourish before furthering their careers in the Premier League or across some of Europe's biggest divisions.

Many of the current England national team can also be thankful to the EFL for enhancing the early stages of their development, and that will only continue in the years to come as many stars continue to make a name for themselves in the Championship, League One and League Two.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Goodman admitted that narrowing it down to a smaller number proved extremely difficult, stating: "There's no doubt about it, we're absolutely blessed with young players really excelling in the Championship.

"It's very difficult just to pick three, so I've narrowed it down to six. Here goes!"

Isaac Price - West Bromwich Albion

Beginning Goodman's list of six stars is Isaac Price of West Bromwich Albion, who is proving a real coup for the Baggies following a £2.5m move from Standard Liege in January.

The Northern Ireland international already has three goals and one assist in the second-tier whilst flourishing in a more central role under Ryan Mason, as well as becoming the youngest player to score 10 times for Northern Ireland with a stunning strike against Germany in the recent international break.

"Isaac Price at West Bromwich Albion. 21 years old, three goals and a couple of assists in his five games so far," Goodman said.

"Throw in an international goal against Germany.

"Obviously he plays for Northern Ireland which is an international minnow, really. Yet, he has 10 international goals in just 24 caps, so that's excellent," the pundit added.

Divin Mubama - Stoke City (on loan from Manchester City)

Goodman's next selection came in the form of Stoke City striker, Divin Mubama, who is currently on loan from Manchester City.

Mark Robins' side were able to fend off competition from Ipswich Town for the striker's services this season, and the England Under-20 international has already proven a shrewd pick-up for the Potters.

The powerful striker has led the line well in his opening five outings, scoring twice against Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday.

"Mubama at Stoke, 20, has got off to a flying start," Goodman stated. "He looks like a real handful for defenders."

Jeremy Monga / Abdul Fatawu - Leicester City

Goodman's next two picks both ply their trade for Leicester City, yet are expected to move on to bigger and better things, such is the calibre of suitors who were linked with potential transfer moves across the summer.

Jeremy Monga had already caught the eye whilst featuring for the Foxes in the Premier League last term, with scouts from a variety of Premier League clubs and the likes of Real Madrid continuing to monitor the 16-year-old's development as he became the Championship's youngest-ever goalscorer last month with an initial equaliser in a 2-1 defeat to Preston North End with a smart low drive into the bottom corner.

Meanwhile, his wing partner on the opposite flank, Abdul Fatawu, has continued where he left off in the Championship after previously starring under Enzo Maresca in City's title-winning season of 2023/24.

The Ghanaian registered six goals and 13 assists back then, and already has two goals and one assist to his name in the current campaign's opening weeks.

It remains a surprise to many that the 21-year-old is still a Championship player after strong interest from top-flight newcomers, Sunderland, in the latter stages of the summer window.

"Leicester have a couple of jewels," Goodman explained.

"Jeremy Monga. Obviously, he's only 16 and the world is his oyster.

"Abdul Fatawu. People forget he's only 21, and he's an incredible player."

Jay Robinson - Southampton

Southampton's academy at Staplewood has developed a plethora of current and former stars such as Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and most recently, Tyler Dibling, who moved to Everton for £42m.

The next cab off the rank at St Mary's in terms of homegrown talent appears to be Jay Robinson, who has already made nine senior appearances at just 18 years of age.

An attacking midfielder by trade, Robinson has also featured on the left and right-wing for England's Under-19 side, as well as netting his first professional goal in the 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town last month.

"Southampton have produced Jay Robinson," Goodman continued. "At 18, it looks like he's going to help them get over the loss of Tyler Dibling."

Nestory Irankunda - Watford

The final name to have caught Goodman's eye is Nestory Irankunda, who joined Watford in a surprise move from Bayern Munich for €4m in July.

Under the newly-appointed Paulo Pezzolano, it has been a mixed start to the 19-year-old's career at Vicarage Road in terms of results. However, the same cannot be said for his performances and output, already scoring twice and posting a further assist, with his ability from dead-ball situations earning strong praise from Goodman and many EFL onlookers alike.

"A mention at Watford for Nestory Irankunda," the Sky Sports pundit said.

"19-year-old, a couple of goals - two amazing free-kicks (vs QPR and Southampton) and a goal for Australia in a 3-1 win over New Zealand the other evening."