The third tier of English professional football hosts a whirlwind of talent. From players capped at international level to former Premier League stars, League One has it all.
In this piece, we take a look at five shining individuals who are more than capable of performing at a higher standard.
Alfie May
A prime example of someone who has worked their way up through non-league, Alfie May burst onto the professional scene at the age of 23, following an impressive spell with Hythe Town where he netted 43 times in 55 fixtures.
Signed by Doncaster Rovers, the nimble striker was eventually moved out wide due to his raw pace and small stature. Across four seasons at Rovers, the Kent-born attacker found the net 23 times in 117 appearances.
In search of guaranteed minutes, May linked up with Michael Duff’s Cheltenham Town in January 2019. The 30-year-old quickly established himself as a fan-favourite, bagging 67 goals, 58 of which came in the EFL, setting a club record.
After four years in Gloucestershire, the frontman, seeking to be closer to home, moved to fellow League One side Charlton Athletic where he currently sits joint top-scorer with Devante Cole on 11 goals.
Although Cheltenham Town rejected a late bid in the 2022 summer transfer window from Championship club Birmingham City, it shows the forward is certainly capable of attracting interest from second-tier outfits.
Cameron Brannagan
Cameron Brannagan joined Oxford United in 2018 and has become part of the furniture at the U’s. Before his move to Oxfordshire, Brannagan spent 17 years at Liverpool, lending a prestigious upbringing.
Regarding his play style, the 27-year-old is a classic box-to-box midfielder who loves to get on the ball. His ability to pick a pass is outstanding and he can be considered a dead-ball specialist.
In years gone by, the Manchester-born man has been linked with a whole host of Championship clubs. Just last year, Blackpool reportedly triggered the midfielder’s release clause. However, this summer, Bristol City were heavily linked with the Yellows’ number ‘8’.
Appearing 253 times and now into his seventh season with Oxford United, it wouldn’t be controversial to question whether Liam Manning’s prized asset is worthy of performing at a higher level.
Callum Styles
The 14-cap Hungarian international is arguably the most talented footballer in the whole league. Signed by Barnsley in 2018 from Bury, Styles has appeared 129 times for the Tykes.
The versatile 23-year-old can operate anywhere on the left flank as well as in central and defensive midfield. The left-footed starlet possesses a mix of defensive attributes and those required to play in the middle.
Following Barnsley’s relegation from the Championship, Millwall came calling, and a loan move materialised for the 2022/23 campaign where he featured 22 times for the London club.
Incredibly, the Yorkshire side managed to retain Styles this summer which is crucial in Neill Collins’ promotion bid. Failing domestic success, Barnsley will have a real task on their hands to keep hold of their superstar midfielder for another season.
Dion Charles
Similar to the previously mentioned Alfie May, Dion Charles progressed through non-league before earning a professional contract with Accrington Stanley. Following his release from Blackpool as a youngster, Charles spent time with AFC Fylde and Southport.
Although the Preston Born attacker sealed a move to Fleetwood Town in 2016, he failed to make a single league appearance with the Cod Army. Therefore, it was second time lucky when Accrington Stanley gambled on the Northern Irish international.
97 appearances and 30 goals later, Charles headed 20 miles south to fellow League One neighbours Bolton Wanderers, for a fee rumoured to be worth £320,000, where he has established himself as one of the league’s most clinical finishers.
In his time at the Mancunian club, the 28-year-old has enjoyed success in front of goal. In the previous campaign, the bagsman converted the ball 21 times in all competitions. Continuing his red-hot form, Charles has a current tally of nine goals, ranking joint-second in the goalscoring charts.
Despite never being on the books of a second-tier club, the Preston-born man is certainly deserving of a chance to perform on a greater stage.
Regan Poole
Marking his professional debut for Newport County at just 16, Regan Poole quickly found himself being snapped up by giants Manchester United.
With his only appearance coming for the Red Devils in a UEFA Europa League tie in 2016, Poole spent time on loan with Northampton Town whilst linking back up with Newport.
Following his release from Old Trafford, the Welshman has established himself as one of the top defenders in League One. Originally a right-back, the 25-year-old has transitioned into a commanding centre-back despite his height being on the slightly shorter side at 5’11.
In the summer of 2023, it was widely speculated that Regan Poole would deservedly earn a move to a Championship club. Therefore, when Portsmouth secured his services on a permanent deal, it was certainly regarded as one of the moves of the window.
Since moving to the south coast, Poole has been in a rich vein of form for the club leading the way. If the Cardiff-born defender can keep up his eye-catching performances, it won’t be long before that big move presents itself.
