When conversations arise about the best midfielders in the Championship this season, one name stands out above the rest—Josh Brownhill.
The Burnley man has been nothing short of exceptional during the Clarets’ push for promotion, combining consistency, creativity and leadership in equal measure. While defenders and goalkeepers might be hogging the headlines for Burnley’s stingy backline, Brownhill’s contribution in the middle of the park is, without doubt, the engine driving the entire machine.
Now with 16 goals and five assists to his name, he’s not only enjoying his finest season statistically but arguably staking a claim as the best midfielder in the league.
Versatility That Sets Him Apart
Brownhill’s versatility is a manager’s dream. Under Scott Parker, he’s been given greater licence to roam forward, and the result has been transformative—not just for his own numbers, but for Burnley’s attacking output as a whole. Whether deployed as a No.8, a deep-lying playmaker or further forward in a No.10 role, Brownhill has delivered with an assurance few in the division can match.
His adaptability isn’t new either. Since joining Burnley in January 2020 from Bristol City, he’s played in virtually every midfield role under multiple managers in both the Premier League and the Championship. That experience and tactical intelligence shine through every time he pulls on a Clarets shirt.
Elite Numbers, Elite Influence
What separates Brownhill from the pack is that his output this season isn’t just good—it’s elite. He’s outperformed his expected goals by a staggering 7.60, a reflection of his superb shooting technique and sharp instincts in front of goal. Those are numbers that wouldn’t look out of place in the Premier League, never mind the second tier.
And it’s not just about goals. His pressing game has been relentless, recovering possession high up the pitch and kickstarting Burnley’s transitions. His chance creation is also among the best in the league, feeding teammates in and around the box with a vision and weight of pass that’s Premier League-ready.
A Career of Steady Climb
It’s easy to forget that Brownhill, now 29, has climbed the English football ladder the hard way. A product of the Manchester United academy, he made his professional debut with Preston North End before carving out a name at Barnsley and then Bristol City, where he captained the side and truly began to shine.
His January 2020 move to Burnley came at a pivotal time for the club—and he quickly adapted to life in the top flight under Sean Dyche. Even in a team known more for pragmatism than flair, Brownhill found ways to shine, particularly with his ball-winning ability and game intelligence. But it’s under Parker’s more progressive system that he’s truly flourished, delivering his best-ever season just when Burnley needed him most.
The Contract Conundrum
What makes this campaign’s success slightly bittersweet for Burnley fans is the looming uncertainty over Brownhill’s future. His contract expires at the end of the season, and for a player performing at this level, there will be no shortage of suitors. That his situation has been allowed to drift to this point has rightly been criticised. As Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman put it, “How on earth he’s been allowed to run his contract down to this point is beyond me really.”
Losing Brownhill—especially on a free—would be an enormous blow to the Clarets’ long-term ambitions. Whether Burnley go up or not, keeping hold of a player of his calibre should be priority number one.
A Leader on and off the Pitch
While statistics tell one part of the story, Brownhill’s influence goes beyond the numbers. He’s a natural leader—vocal, committed, and driven by a deep understanding of the game. He sets the tempo, both in how Burnley play and how they compete. That leadership has been crucial during the pressure-packed weeks of the promotion race.
Manager Scott Parker put it best: “There are not enough words to compliment Browny. He’s a driving force in this team… He’s got huge quality and he’s been fundamental for us.”
Verdict: The Championship’s Finest?
Taking everything into account—consistency, statistics, positional versatility, leadership, and the ability to influence the biggest moments—there’s a strong case to be made that Josh Brownhill is the best midfielder in the Championship right now.
In a league full of talent and tenacity, very few players are delivering week in, week out at the level Brownhill is. Whether he stays at Turf Moor or not, he’s proven that his quality belongs back in the Premier League. And if Burnley do secure promotion, it’ll be in no small part thanks to the man at the heart of it all.
Josh Brownhill isn’t just one of the best midfielders in the Championship—he might just be the best.
