Exclusive: Don Goodman names the most underrated players in the EFL Championship right now | OneFootball

Don Goodman has given his verdict on who he thinks the two most underrated players in the Championship is right now

Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has revealed who he thinks the two most underrated players in the EFL Championship are right now, and don't get the plaudits they deserve.

When it comes to a player perhaps being underrated, in a league like the Championship that is so heavily contested with plenty of names to choose from, Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has pinpointed two players whose relentless work-ethic, consistency and impact on their respective clubs fly under the radar on the wider second tier scale.

In a league defined by fine margins, a lot of money is spent on players in the second tier of English football nowadays, but it's not always the ones that go for big money that are the most naturally gifted.

The Championship has been known as a platform to be the starting point for many players that go on to have resounding careers at the top level, and with there being plenty of talent across the 24 clubs in the division, it's no surprise that some very good players go under the radar to neutral watchers.

When it comes to a player being so called 'underrated', it's very easy to look at statistics and output. However, Goodman has opted to pick out a couple of players that have had a huge impact on their clubs, and without them, their 2025/26 season could look very different right now.

Don Goodman names Watford fan favourite as "underrated"

The question 'who is the most underrated player in the Championship?' is bound to always cause a divide in opinion, with fans wanting to shed light on players from their clubs that don't get the praise they deserve. And with there being plenty of solid candidates among the list, the former Wolves and West Brom striker, Don Goodman, chose Imran Louza as his number one.

Louza signed for the Hornets in 2021 for €9m (£7.7m) and has since been an ever-present force in the heart of their midfield, backed up by winning the personal accolade of Watford's Player of the Season award last season. For Goodman, the Moroccan has been a standout this season and is continuing to be the driving force for the Hornets.

Goodman said: "It is a very difficult question, the most underrated player in the EFL Championship, but I guess really, if I've got to pick somebody who, at the moment is probably with a slightly unfashionable club, having a major impact, someone who I was told when he arrived was a serious player who hadn't really hit the heights until maybe this season, that would be Imran Louza at Watford who looks to me to be a sensational all-round player.

"Six goals and three assists. He can dribble, he can shoot, he can pass, he ticks a lot of boxes to be fair to him, so he would be one name that I would give you."

The Moroccan international has earned 14 caps for his country, and continues to play a key role for the Hornets, which has been so prevalent since his arrival, as he has made 100 appearances for the club, being loved by the fans for his steely performances and die-hard nature for the badge.

Don Goodman names Stoke City goalkeeper Viktor Johansson too

As well as outfield, one position that is subject to a lot of criticism when things are going badly but doesn't get the plaudits when things are going well is the goalkeeper position. With number one's very much being in no man's land, if they make a mistake, it can be a lonely job. However, for Stoke City's Viktor Johansson, Goodman has sung the praises of the Swedish international as he has been a key reason as to why the Potters are challenging for the top spots this season.

Goodman said: "Another one would probably be Viktor Johansson, who, whether he's under the radar or not, the Stoke City goalkeeper, is debatable.

"For years now, his save percentage has been massive, and he single-handedly kept Stoke City in the Championship last season, and he has started this season as he left off last season with fantastic numbers: Goals prevented 4.35, save percentage 82%, so he's an excellent goalkeeper, and whether he's on the radar of other clubs, I don't know, but there's two for you."

The 27-year-old has kept six clean sheets so far this season in just above a dozen matches, highlighting his huge presence that he has between the sticks as well as his commanding nature when it comes to organising his backline. He was also awarded the club's Player of the Season award, just like Louza.

Johansson made his mark in the EFL first with Rotherham for four seasons before making the switch to Stoke for £750,000, which is now seeming like a bargain after continuing his remarkable form.