With January and therefore the half-way point of the season approaching, we delve into the best performing duos across the 72 clubs in the EFL so far this campaign.
The main objective in football is to outscore your opponent. Here, we compile those starlets who have combined to produce the highest attacking output as well as their productivity rate in context with their respective club’s overall goal tally.
10. Davis Keillor-Dunn/George Maris (Mansfield Town)
One of the stories of the season so far, was Mansfield’s incredible unbeaten run in League Two, peaking at 17 matches before eventually suffering defeat at the hands of Swindon Town in agonising fashion, conceding in the 93rd minute.
One of the main reasons they’ve been so impressive is the creativity and positive attacking play Keillor-Dunn provides. The 26-year-old can operate anywhere along the frontline as well as dropping into the number ’10’ role.
Starting all 19 League Two fixtures, the former Burton Albion man has returned 11 goals and five assists, emphasising how crucial he is to The Stags.
Partnering him in this list is versatile midfielder George Maris, who also enjoys getting forward and chipping in with goals and assists. On that note, the 27-year-old has enjoyed a positive start to this campaign, contributing a modest four goals and three assists.
Mansfield currently sit sixth in the scoring charts for the fourth division, tallying a respectable 34 goals.
Combined Goal Involvement: 23
Total Goal Involvement Rate: 67.64%
9. Adam Armstrong/Che Adams (Southampton)
Following a miserable campaign in the top-flight last season leading to relegation, The Saints are targeting direct promotion back to the Premier League. Two of their most influential stars this season in the attacking department have been Scottish International Che Adams, alongside the clinical Adam Armstrong.
In truth, Armstrong has single-handedly carried the baton to feature in such a discussion with 17 goal involvements, ultimately topping the chart in the entirety of the second division. An ever-present figure for the Hampshire side, the 26-year-old has returned 12 goals as well as five assists in 20 appearances.
However, Adams has also played his part, returning four goals to go with his two assists. Although the 27-year-old hasn’t hit the ground running this campaign, the last time he plied his trade in the Championship he totalled an impressive 22 goals and six assists for Birmingham City in the 2018/2019 season, suggesting there’s still plenty more to come.
Southampton have found the back of the net 32 times so far this campaign, the lowest of the three relegated sides.
Combined Goal Involvement: 23 Goals
Total Goal Involvement Rate: 71.87%
8. Kwame Poku/Ephron Mason-Clark (Peterborough United)
Lovers of the lower leagues will be well aware of the flair and enthusiasm these dynamic forwards bring. Following successful campaigns respectively, Kwame Poku and Ephron Mason-Clark have continued their scintillating form into this season.
Poku, formerly of Colchester United has always shown promise, however this season he is really finding his rhythm. Primarily operating on the right, but also able to play through the middle, the 22-year-old has seven goals and six assists to his name.
On the opposite flank, Mason-Clark continues to terrorise defenders with his direct approach. Signed from Barnet in August 2022, the 24-year-old is proving he’s more than capable of performing at a higher level, with seven goals and four assists so far this campaign, supporting his case.
Unsurprisingly, The Posh sit handsomely at the top of the League One scoring charts, boasting an impressive 40 goals.
Combined Goal Involvement: 24 Goals
Total Goal Involvement Rate: 60%
7. Jordan Rhodes/CJ Hamilton (Blackpool)
Following a return of two goals in their opening five league fixtures, there was cause for concern regarding the goal-scoring department for The Tangerines. However, since then and the arrival of Jordan Rhodes, these issues have been addressed.
Signed on a season-long loan from Championship outfit Huddersfield Town, the 33-year-old has well and truly rolled back the years. Featuring 17 times for the Lancashire club, the Scot has been a revelation, netting 13 times and providing another three.
Providing two of the formerly mentioned Rhodes’ goals is the absolute speed demon CJ Hamilton. Known for his blistering raw pace, ability to beat a man, and excellent crossing, the former Mansfield man has contributed two goals to accompany his applaudable six assists.
Considering Neil Critchley’s side’s slow start in front of goal, it’s evident how crucial these two have been in the change of fortunes, seeing Blackpool return 36 goals from 21 fixtures.
Combined Goal Involvement: 24 Goals
Total Goal Involvement Rate: 66.66%
6. Isaac Olaofe/Louie Barry (Stockport County)
Following the disappointment of Wembley woes last season seeing Stockport fall short on penalties to Carlisle United, the Mancunian club have come out of the traps firing, seeing an astounding run of 11 wins on the bounce, propelling them to the summit of the fourth division.
Furthermore, a key piece in the Edgeley Park puzzle is powerful forward Isaac Olaofe. Despite a disappointing previous campaign, the 24-year-old has transformed into one of the League’s most prolific finishers, returning 12 goals in 21 appearances, whilst adding two assists.
Despite not featuring since the 24th of October, after sustaining a serious hamstring injury, Louie Barry’s emphatic start to the campaign earns his place in this list. Featuring 15 times for The Hatters, the former Barcelona prospect has totalled nine goals and two assists.
Although Stockport County occupy the top of the League Two table, they are currently the division’s fourth-highest scorers with a total of 41 goals after 21 matches.
Combined Goal Involvement: 25 Goals
Total Goal Involvement Rate: 60.97%
5. Ali Al-Hamadi/James Tilley (AFC Wimbledon)
When it comes to League Two, talent is abundant, and The Wombles possess two of the most exciting attacking prospects in the division. With the winter transfer window arising, Wimbledon will be weary of incoming offers for their key men.
Ali Al-Hamadi’s background is remarkably unique, following his release from Swansea, the Iraqi International joined League One Wycombe Wanderers where he failed to make an impression. However, since moving to the capital, the 21-year-old has struck 20 times in 37 appearances, including 10 this season, whilst also providing five for his fellow teammates.
James Tilley on the other hand has been quietly chipping away in the fourth division, spending time with the likes of Grimsby and Crawley Town. This season though, he has really excelled at The Cherry Red Records Stadium, contributing seven goals and four assists.
There’s no disputing how significant the pair are to Johnnie Jackson, as out of the 31 goals scored this season, only five have not included some sort of influence from Al-Hamadi or Tilley.
Combined Goal Involvement: 26 Goals
Total Goal Involvement Rate: 78.76%
4. Crysencio Summerville/Georginio Rutter (Leeds United)
In truth, it’s fascinating that both Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter are contracted to an EFL club when considering the sheer talent, excitement and potential both players radiate.
One of the most consistent, influential performers in the Championship this season has been 22-year-old Summerville. Credit has to go to Leeds for managing to retain the tricky wide man’s services as he’s been integral in their explosive start, converting nine goals, whilst grabbing six assists in the process.
Another outstanding individual in his own right is Rutter, who was signed by German outfit TSG Hoffenheim in January for a club record fee. Despite struggling to make an impression in the top-flight, his undoubted talent is evident and the Frenchman is proving his worth with every passing game, and a return of four goals and eight assists clearly suggests he’s really finding his feet in Yorkshire.
In unison with their league position, Daniel Farke’s men also rank third in the table for goals scored, amassing 36 in total.
Combined Goal Involvement: 27 Goals
Total Goal Involvement Rate: 75%
3. Alfie May/Corey Blackett-Taylor (Charlton Athletic)
Here is an interesting stat for you, without Alfie May’s goals alone this season, Charlton would be sat 23rd in the league as opposed to 10th. This shows how crucial the 30-year-old has been to The Addicks.
Arguably one of the signings of the summer, the former Cheltenham Town forward has continued to find the net from virtually anywhere on the pitch. Currently League One’s leading scorer, May has 15 goals from just 18 appearances.
As a result of his teammate grabbing the headlines, Corey Blackett-Taylor can often go under the radar, but the former Tranmere Rovers forward has been excellent. The 26-year-old who has attracted Championship interest, has registered six goals and assists apiece this season.
With the running theme, Charlton will be desperate to keep hold of both men, as they push for promotion back to the Championship. In addition, out of the 32 goals converted by the South London club, only five have not resulted from any sort of involvement from the pair.
Combined Goal Involvement: 27 Goals
Total Goal Involvement Rate: 84.37%
2. Macauley Langstaff/Daniel Crowley (Notts County)
Prior to a ball being kicked, many recognised the quality in Notts County’s attacking ranks. However, it’s not just this duo that are getting the plaudits who have been sensational, it’s the whole frontline, as David McGoldrick and Jodi Jones have combined for 24 goals.
With that, let’s focus on the Magpies’ leading goalscorer Macauley Langstaff who has netted 14 times and provided three assists already this season. Since completing his move to Meadow Park from Gateshead, he has been finding the back of the net consistently and has made the step-up seamlessly.
Marquee signing Daniel Crowley comes from a rich footballing background spending time in the Arsenal academy. An exceptional footballer, who combines intelligence with talent, the 26 year-old has 15 goal contributions amounting to eight goals and seven assists.
Notts County, as previously mentioned are spoilt in the forward area, unsurprisingly resulting in 43 goals scored this campaign.
Combined Goal Involvement: 32 Goals
Total Goal Involvement Rate: 74.41%
1. Jake Young/Dan Kemp (Swindon Town)
No surprises here that the free-scoring Jake Young and Dan Kemp sit rightfully at the top. Remarkably though, both are on loan from fellow League Two clubs.
Joining on a season-long loan from Bradford City, Young leads the top-scorer chart with 16 goals. It’s not just clinical finishing the 22-year-old brings to The County Ground though, as he’s also provided four assists.
Despite being told in the summer by former Bradford City boss Mark Hughes to find a new club, current manager Graham Alexander has hinted at recalling the talisman. In comparison to years gone by, it feels eerily similar to Eoin Doyle’s 2019/20 campaign with The Robins.
Fellow loanee and playmaker Dan Kemp has also been enjoying regular game time in Wiltshire, despite being deemed surplus to requirements by Milton Keynes Dons. The 24-year-old drops into pockets of space, enabling him to put up numbers such as finding the net ten times alongside registering eight assists.
Without a shadow of a doubt, Young and Kemp have been the most prolific duo across the EFL, but their situation is precarious due to both being temporary players (loanees). Swindon are the joint-top goal-scorers in League Two with 43 goals.
Combined Goal Involvement: 38 Goals
Total Goal Involvement Rate: 88.37%.
