League One is home to a hotbed of gems and ever-growing talent. With professional footballers always looking to broaden their horizons and progress to a higher level, we take a look at those individuals who could certainly excel in the Championship.
Following on from yesterday’s article; ‘Five League One Stars Who Could Make The Jump Up To The Championship‘, this piece discusses five more third-tier starlets performing far beyond their current level.
Eiran Cashin
Born in Mansfield, but a representative for the Republic of Ireland at youth level, Eiran Cashin has been on the books of Derby County since the age of eight. Handed his debut by Wayne Rooney in December 2021, Cashin has progressed and established himself as a regular for the Rams.
Naturally left-footed, the 21-year-old plays with a calmness and aura which is unusual for a centre-half. However, Derby’s young prodigy also possesses excellent reading of the game. More often than not, Cashin’s positional play and defensive awareness qualities guide the defender to win his defensive duels.
Although the Irishman is yet to receive a senior call-up, County’s number ‘6’ has a very bright future ahead of him. After reported interest from Brighton according to DerbyshireLive, many clubs will be lining up for the young man’s signature.
Joe Powell
Following his release from West Ham United in 2020, Joe Powell has enjoyed life at Burton Albion. The younger brother of Crewe Alexandra’s Jack Powell, he has established himself as a fan-favourite amongst supporters of the Brewers.
A dynamic, box-to-box midfielder, Powell is best known for his superb passing range alongside his ability to strike from distance. An instrumental figure in Dino Maamria’s applaudable turnaround last campaign, the 25-year-old contributed three goals as well as five assists.
Fast-forward to this campaign and the East Staffordshire outfit’s star man has already chipped in with four assists. After being rewarded with a two-year contract in July 2022, anxiety may start to creep in around the Pirelli Stadium in hopes of a new deal being struck. However, as time goes on, it can be widely speculated that Burton’s number ‘8’ may be looking for a move elsewhere come the summer.
Aaron Collins
Somewhat of a journeyman in the EFL, Aaron Collins has spent time with a whole host of clubs, such as Notts County, Morecambe, Forest Green Rovers and Newport County, where he graduated as a scholar.
The Welshman is extremely versatile along the frontline and can operate on either wing, as well as an attacking midfielder or a striker. Now at Bristol Rovers, the Gas’ key man is the focal point and the club’s most valuable asset. In 121 appearances, Collins has found the net 39 times.
However, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers forward is more than just a goalscorer. Last campaign, the 26-year-old added creativity to his game, resulting in 11 assists to go with his more than respectable 16 goals. Valued at £5 million in January 2023, clubs of a higher stature may feel priced out of a move, but his price tag is justified when you look at his attacking output and influence.
Demetri Mitchell
Demetri Mitchell is the type of player who grips supporters to the edge of their seats. An academy product of 13-time Premier League champions Manchester United, Mitchell comes from a prestigious footballing background.
A utility man who possesses flair and elegance, the 26-year-old has formerly spent time in the second tier with Blackpool. Following a spell in Scotland with Hibernian, Exeter City managed to secure the flamboyant wide-man’s services.
Mitchell has taken to life in Devon and has been utilised at wing-back, on the wing and also as a lone striker, almost playing as a false nine. A play style which consists of quick feet, pin-point deliveries and the occasional 25-yard screamer prompts it won’t be long before the Mancunian returns to the Championship.
Ronnie Edwards
Peterborough United’s squad is littered with multiple individuals who are more than capable or have the potential to play higher up the footballing pyramid. However, for now, their hottest prospect is 20-year-old Ronnie Edwards.
The central defender who has already been capped by England U19s and 20s has racked up 101 senior appearances for the Posh, with 34 of those coming in the Championship during the 2021/22 campaign at just 18 years old.
Similarly to Cashin, Edwards loves to defend, with his speciality being his ability to produce phenomenal last-ditch tackles. Furthermore, his decision-making and overall reading of the game are outstanding for somebody of such a young age. Already linked with Crystal Palace and West Ham, Ronnie Edwards is destined for a big future.
