Exclusive: Lee Hendrie names two EFL Championship midfielders who could easily step up to the Premier League | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has highlighted two players from the Championship who could step up to the Premier League

Lee Hendrie has named the Championship midfielders that he could see making the step up to the Premier League.

English football’s second-tier has acted as a breeding ground for some of the game’s leading lights, with modern greats such as Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Gareth Bale all running out in the division once upon a time.

Championship football provides a unique blend of technical quality and physicality, which makes it such a tough test for players developing their trade but often ultimately proves to be a rewarding experience.

With so much talent ripe in the second-tier these days, there will no doubt be more talent making its way from the division up into the top-flight over the next few years, especially in the midfield department.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit and former Aston Villa midfielder, Lee Hendrie, has revealed which midfielders he believes can make the necessary step from Championship football before going on to enjoy a successful period in the top-flight.

Lee Hendrie backs Championship midfield duo for Premier League success

“Hayden Hackney is one of them,” stated Hendrie. “He's a real bright talent, he's got lots of experience and great ability.

“You’re looking at players like him.

“Matt Grimes has been very, very good for Coventry City this season. They are definitely players who could go and make that step up.

“If I had to choose, they would be the sort of guys.”

Both Hayden Hackney and Matt Grimes may be en route to the Premier League

The two players that Hendrie mentioned have been in fine form this season and might not have to wait too much longer before securing a crack at the Premier League.

Football League World exclusively revealed that Hayden Hackney was wanted by top-flight outfit Wolves during the summer, whilst he also rejected a £20m move to Ipswich Town during that window, which highlights the evident interest in his services.

If Boro manage to build on their promising start to the season and achieve promotion, then that would be a direct route to the Premier League for the 23-year-old. If not, a top-flight team is likely to pursue a transfer for his services anyway, which means that Hackney may be well on course to deem Hendrie’s prediction a correct one.

Grimes signed for Coventry in January 2025 and immediately became one of their strongest players, anchoring Frank Lampard’s midfield to great effect.

The Sky Blues have emerged as the Championship’s team to beat this season and currently look favourites to achieve promotion to the Premier League as champions. This would allow Grimes the opportunity to operate out of the top-flight and showcase his talents at the highest level.

It is yet to be seen whether either of these two players can continue performing at the same standard once reaching the Premier League, but both have shown incredible skill during this season and there doesn’t seem to be a clear reason why they can’t go on to succeed in the top-flight.