Milton Keynes Dons, Doncaster Rovers, Crewe Alexandra and Crawley Town make up the quadrant battling for League One football. Here we collate the standout ‘XI’, from the respective clubs.
Thimothee Lo-Tutala (Doncaster Rovers)
Following his arrival from Championship outfit Hull City, in January, the 21-year-old keeper has caught the eye of lower-league fans for his at times ‘superhuman’ reflexes and shot-stopping.
The former Stevenage loanee, who’s tasted promotion from League Two as recent as last season, has played a crucial role in Doncaster’s recent success, catapulting them from 22nd (Gameweek 29) to eventually finishing 5th.
Although the Frenchman’s spell has been brief, in 18 league outings, the Yorkshire side have only suffered one defeat, at the hands of Walsall.
Across that period, Lo-Tutala has accumulated seven clean sheets, whilst contributing to a current 12-game unbeaten run.
Despite receiving his marching orders in Rovers final game of the season, for deliberately handling the ball outside the area, the decision was appealed and ultimately overturned, ensuring Grant Mccann’s men travel to the Mornflake Stadium with their star man.
Joe Tomlinson (MK Dons)
The saying ‘square pegs in round holes’ fits perfectly in this case with Tomlinson filling the right-back spot in this XI.
Admittedly the 23-year-old has only played on the right-side a handful of times in the absence of Cameron Norman and Kyran Lofthouse.
However, the versatile defender, who can play on both feet gets the nod as he outshines every other right back up for debate in such a conversation.
Arriving from Peterborough United in the summer, the former Swindon loanee has been an integral figure for Mike Williamson this season, contributing seven goals and six assists in 36 league appearances.
Will Wright (Crawley Town)
Signed from Gillingham in August, for an undisclosed fee, Will Wright has been instrumental in Crawley’s success this season.
The 26-year-old has been a commanding figure in The Red Devils’ back-line, however he’s also offered attacking prowess, returning a mightily impressive four goals and eight assists from the centre of defence.
A ball playing centre half who can also operate in the middle of the park, Wright ranks 14th for most passes per 90 in the league, averaging 49.4.
Technically gifted, Crawley’s ’30’ has become quite the set-piece specialist, with a large portion of his recorded goals and assists coming from dead ball situations.
Mickey Demetriou (Crewe Alexandra)
After spending time with the likes of Cambridge United, Shrewsbury Town and most notable Newport County, Mickey Demetriou has cemented himself as one of the best central defenders in League Two over a sustained period of time.
Upon his move to Cheshire with fellow employers Crewe, it was seen as a fantastic coup for The Railwaymen.
Furthermore, as expected, the 34-year-old has been sensational for Lee Bell and co-ordinated a top seven finish.
It’s not only defensive stability and leadership which Demetriou provides, it’s also an offensive threat with the defender amassing eight goals and six assists.
Rio Adebisi (Crewe Alexandra)
Fellow clubman Adebisi joins Demetriou for a partnership on the left side of defence.
Progressing through the ranks at The Alex’s academy, like many others, Adebisi was rewarded for his hard-work in 2019, signing his first professional contract.
Since then, the 23-year-old has made 133 appearances for the club, becoming a staple in the side and featuring in every league outing this campaign.
A pacy, dynamic full-back who’s not afraid to gallop forward, Crewe’s ‘3’ has delivered seven assists alongside four goals, showing how vital he’s been at both ends of the pitch.
Liam Kelly (Crawley Town)
Arriving at the Broadfield Stadium in the summer, Kelly has turned out to be one of the most influential signings of the season in the fourth tier.
Naturally a holding player who sits in front of the defence, the former Reading man has the ability to dictate the game with his busy nature and footballing intelligence to pick up pockets of space.
Performing in a side which dominates possession, the 28-year-old has enjoyed a very successful campaign personally, 7th in the division for passes per 90, averaging 56.6.
Not only that, his attacking output has been excellent with the central midfielder totalling four goals and nine assists in 37 league appearances.
Alex Gilbey (MK Dons)
After securing promotion from League Two with Stevenage last season, Gilbey will be looking to make it two success stories in two seasons with current employers MK Dons.
The 29-year-old has been an ever-present figure for The Dons this campaign, starting in all 46 league matches.
When deployed as an attacking midfielder, the former Charlton Athletic man is most effective and that’s shown in the role he’s been given under Mike Williamson.
In total, Gilbey has recorded 13 goals and 10 assists, totalling 23 attacking contributions, averaging a direct goal-scoring influence every other game.
Luke Molyneux (Doncaster Rovers)
Formerly on the books of Sunderland and Hartlepool, 26-year-old Molyneux has found a home in Doncaster.
Currently in his third campaign with the club, the fluid frontman, who can operate anywhere across the attack, has flourished under Grant Mccann’s style of play.
Molyneux is at his best when operating on the right side with the opportunity to cut inside onto his magical left foot.
Rovers’ ‘7’ has contributed 17 attacking return, with a respectable split of nine goals and eight assists across 45 appearances.
Klaidi Lolos (Crawley Town)
One of the hottest prospects in League Two this season has been Klaidi Lolos, who arrived in West Sussex from then National League South outfit, Oxford City with plenty of promise.
Formerly on the books of Plymouth Argyle, but having been released from Home Park in 2021, Lolos had to rebuild his career in non-league, spending time with Torquay United.
This success story is unique, but one which earns nothing but respect as the 22-year-old has proving himself to be a fantastic talent.
Full of flair and a rawness which will develop through coaching, Scott Lindsay’s fantastic find has provided 13 goals and five assists, whilst performing in all 46 league matches.
Danilo Orsi (Crawley Town)
When Dom Telford was replaced by Danilo Orsi in the summer, many tipped Crawley to be in real danger of slipping out of the EFL.
However, in a wonderful twist, it’s the latter who helped his side to claim that final play-off place, opening the scoring on the final day against Grimsby, which in turn, condemned Barrow to League Two football for the 2024/2025 campaign.
Leading the line for 45 league outings, Orsi, who’s a product of the non-league system, found the net 19 times whilst providing an additional four goals for his teammates.
After only scoring four times for Grimsby Town the season prior, under Scott Lindsay, the 28-year-old is in the form of his life.
