The Championship season is almost finished, and the second tier has once again lived up to its reputation for drama and upheaval at both ends of the table.

Of course, there is still a lot to decide in terms of promotion, both automatically and who will win the play-offs and join the newly crowned Championship champions, Coventry City, in the Premier League next season.

Meanwhile, all of Oxford United, Leicester City, and Sheffield Wednesday have been relegated to the League Despite difficult circumstances, some of their players have emerged with credit.

Indeed, the recent EFL Awards provoked extensive debate about which players should have won the accolades they did not win, particularly when certain considerations were considered.

Of course, while statistics do not determine everything, they have become a powerful barometer for determining success and failure on many levels in the modern game. With that said, FLW has looked at the 25 best-performing players in this season’s Championship, as determined by WhoScored, who have appeared at least 25 times this season.

25 Jimmy Dunne – Queens Park Rangers

Jimmy Dunne, the versatile defender for Queens Park Rangers, leads this list with an average rating of 7.04.

The Irishman has been a consistently impressive performer at Loftus Road in recent years, earning him a new contract in June 2025, ahead of Julien Stephan’s debut season in command.

In addition to playing in the R’s defenders, Dunne can provide an attacking and creative danger, whether on the ball or from set pieces.

24 Liam Kitching – Coventry City

Next up is Coventry centre-back Liam Kitching, the first of four players to receive a 7.05 average rating.

The 26-year-old has established himself as a key member of the Sky Blues’ defense this season, earning a place on this list despite not always receiving his due in one of the division’s most formidable backlines.

However, it remains to be seen how much playing time the defender will get in the Premier League under Frank Lampard.

23 Matt Grimes – Coventry City

Matt Grimes, a fellow Coventry player and club captain, may surprise many with his low ranking on this list, given how influential he has been at the CBS Arena since joining from Swansea City last January.

Outsiders have noticed the 30-year-old’s experience, ability to dominate games, and general leadership as the Sky Blues cruised to victory, and he was nominated to the Championship’s Team of the Season.

22 Abdul Fatawu – Leicester City

Although Leicester were relegated to League One for the first time in 17 years, Ghanaian winger Abdul Fatawu earned a spot on this list for his individual achievements.

After featuring in the Foxes’ title-winning season two years ago, the 22-year-old has still contributed over 15 goals, one of which was a magnificent 65-yard strike against Ipswich Town in December.

Given Leicester’s precarious financial status, Fatawu is anticipated to leave this summer, with Premier League clubs reportedly showing interest.

21 Rob Dickie – Bristol City

The final player with a 7.05 average rating is Bristol City’s Rob Dickie.

Although his side failed to build on its first play-off campaign since 2008 last season, the 30-year-old has continued to impress with some key defensive performances under both Gerhard Struber and Roy Hodgson.

As a result, it would be unsurprising to see the defender’s prominence grow under the club’s next permanent manager, who is expected to be selected in the coming weeks.

20 Imran Louza – Watford

Imran Louza, Watford’s influential captain, joins the top 20.

Despite the Hornets’ ongoing managerial changes, the Moroccan has had his most fruitful season at Vicarage Road.

Although his contributions haven’t been as prolific as they were over a 10-game span from September to November, Watford may face a losing struggle to keep their star man, with FLW exclusively reporting Everton and Fulham’s interest in his services.

19 Japhet Tanganga – Sheffield United

Sheffield United has had an inconsistent season this year, but Japhet Tanganga has impressed after signing at Bramall Lane for an initial cost of between £7 million and £8 million.

The 27-year-old had previously drawn Premier League interest after impressing for Millwall, and the defender has continued to demonstrate why that was the case with many rock-solid defensive performances on an individual basis, despite United conceding over 60 goals this season.

18 Nat Phillips – West Bromwich Albion

Another centre-back is next, despite Nat Phillips’ difficult debut season with West Bromwich Albion.

Nonetheless, under three different permanent or interim head coaches, the former Liverpool man has been one of the club’s most consistent performers, particularly under James Morrison, whose philosophy made the Baggies much tougher to break down while also making them more clinical in front of goal on their way to survival despite a points deduction.

17 Jordan Storey – Preston North End

Preston North End’s season has been divided into two halves, but Jordan Storey has remained one of the division’s most underestimated performers at Deepdale.

The 28-year-old has started almost 40 games for the Lilywhites this season, scoring a few goals and providing assists, and it will undoubtedly excite Lancashire fans that he is currently signed for another two years.

16 Ryan Manning – Southampton

Ryan Manning, Southampton’s inventive full-back, is 16th in the rankings after contributing double-digit goals in over 40 games this season.

That is despite the fact that, particularly under Will Still’s tenure, the Irish international was criticised, along with the rest of his colleagues, who were regarded as big underachievers at the time.

However, under Tonda Eckert, his performance has greatly increased as the Saints aim for a quick return to the Premier League.

15 Anis Mehmeti – Ipswich Town / Bristol City

The only player to have spent this season at more than one Championship club is Anis Mehmeti, who moved from Bristol City to Ipswich Town in January for £3 million.

Before transferring to Portman Road, the playmaker was the poster boy at Ashton Gate, having scored eight goals and assisted six others.

Mehmeti has been in and out of the Ipswich team since his arrival, but his total performance has earned him an average rating of 7.09.

14 Sean McLoughlin – Blackburn Rovers

Sean McLoughlin’s performances since joining Blackburn Rovers have helped the East Lancashire club’s Championship survival chances, particularly after Michael O’Neill’s arrival in February.

In nearly 3,800 minutes of league action for Rovers, the Irishman’s hard ethic and physicality have helped his new club earn crucial victories and clean sheets, as they remain the division’s second-lowest scoring side.

13 Ciaron Brown – Oxford United

Despite his club’s relegation, Ciaron Brown fits into a similar category for Oxford United, and there is every potential he will remain an influential presence at the Kassam Stadium in League One.

The Northern Irish international has scored a couple of goals from set-pieces due to his height, and only signed a long-term contract last summer, which will be music to Matt Bloomfield’s ears as he plans his latest rebuilding job in management.

12 Christoph Klarer – Birmingham City

Another rock-solid centre-back comes in 12th place, with Birmingham City’s Christoph Klarer setting a good example in a mixed season at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.

The versatile defender has demonstrated why some believe he can still play in the Premier League with his toughness, ball-carrying ability, poise, and eye for a goal.

Although it is unclear whether Chris Davies will continue in command of B9 next season, the Austrian will undoubtedly remain prominent, as he is under contract for another three years.

11 Hayden Hackney – Middlesbrough

Hayden Hackney, the division’s Player of the Season and Middlesbrough ace, ranks only 11th with an average rating of 7.14.

The 23-year-old has recently been injured, but that does not detract from how, for the majority of the season, he has continued to win plenty of praise as his boyhood club pushes for a return to the Premier League.

Doing so appears to be Boro’s best chance of retaining the midfielder, as numerous Premier League clubs remain interested in his talents as the summer transfer deadline approaches.

10 Taylor Harwood-Bellis – Southampton

Taylor Harwood-Bellis, a Southampton centre-back, has risen into the top ten.

The former England international has been a revelation under Eckert as the Saints have risen through the divisions, bringing a goal threat from set pieces as well as a solid defensive nous that has occasionally been a level above several divisional contemporaries.

As a result, FLW was not surprised to learn in January that the former Manchester City player is admired by a slew of top-flight clubs, but he may return to that level with the Hampshire side in the coming weeks.

9Matt Clarke – Derby County

Matt Clarke, an accomplished centre-back from Derby County, is up next.

In his second stay at Pride Park, the 29-year-old was instrumental in helping the team survive last season before pushing for the play-offs this season.

In addition to his strong defensive efforts, many goal contributions from the heart of John Eustace’s backline might be crucial in an ever-changing chase for sixth place.

8Bobby Thomas – Coventry City

He is followed by another defensive peer, Coventry’s Bobby Thomas, who will be remembered in the Midlands for his promotion-clinching header at Ewood Park on April 17th.

The 25-year-old has received criticism for his performances at times, but he will finally get a chance in the Premier League, which he missed out on while at Burnley.

Furthermore, his top-flight potential had already been identified, with West Ham United and Everton keeping a close eye on his status in January.

7 Tristan Crama – Millwall

The trend of defenders dominating this 25-man list continues with Millwall’s Tristan Crama, who was also named to the Team of the Season.

It was also a well-deserved inclusion, with the Frenchman nearly reaching double figures in defensive goal contributions while staying as steady and dependable as ever after switching from right-back to accompany Jake Cooper and Caleb Taylor at the heart of defence on occasion.

6Leo Scienza – Southampton

It also comes as no surprise that Southampton’s Brazilian winger, Leo Scienza, is so high on this list.

The 27-year-old has proven to be an excellent signing for the South Coast club, and he is widely expected to play in the Premier League next season.

While the attacker is now focused on establishing success at St Mary’s, a £25 million release clause in his contract has been reported, sparking interest from Aston Villa and Leeds United.

5Jake Cooper – Millwall

Jake Cooper, Millwall’s captain, leads the top five after being a consistent force in the Championship for nearly a decade.

The 31-year-old is best recognized for his aerial supremacy, which causes problems for attacking teams, as well as adding more consistency and strength at the back, with the Lions maintaining one of the division’s top defensive records.

Cooper will finally have an opportunity to play in the Premier League this summer after years of receiving plaudits in the second division of football.

4 Oli McBurnie – Hull City

Hull City’s Oli McBurnie is in fourth position, demonstrating the Tigers’ largely outstanding recruitment this season despite well-documented restrictions.

The forward, like Cooper, has an average rating of 7.18 and has scored in double digits in the Championship once again, while also contributing to almost 20 goals for Sergej Jakirovic’s club despite missing two months due to injury.

Once again, he is a player whose extensive experience could be crucial in City’s attempt to defy the odds.

3 Caleb Taylor – Millwall

Caleb Taylor of Millwall, who was purchased from West Brom for just £2.5 million, is the Championship’s third-best-performing player despite playing less than 30 games this season.

The 23-year-old has an average rating of 7.25 and has been one of the season’s standout signings, making significant contributions at both ends of the pitch.

As previously stated with Crama and Cooper, Taylor’s physicality is well-documented, but his poise on the ball has earned him plenty of admiration, and it would not be surprising to see him play regularly in the Premier League in the future years.

2 Lloyd Jones – Charlton Athletic

Lloyd Jones of Charlton Athletic takes home the’silver medal’, having rarely put a foot wrong for the Addicks in quite some time.

The former Liverpool academy defender was selected to the League One Team of the Season last season, and with a team built on strong defensive foundations under his namesake, Nathan, the 30-year-old has picked up where he left off, making the step up in class appear pretty natural.

Unsurprisingly, the defender was voted the club’s Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year for his outstanding performances, which earned him an average rating of 7.28.

1 Femi Azeez – Millwall

It’s an all-South London top three, with Millwall’s Femi Azeez earning a division-high average rating of 7.31/10 so far this season for his outstanding performance for the Bermondsey club.

After struggling for form after joining from Reading last season, Alex Neil’s decision to deploy the 24-year-old on the right side proved to be a masterstroke.

Azeez has started just over 30 games for the Lions this season, but he has already scored over 15 goals, and after being scouted by promotion contenders Ipswich in January, he has surfaced as a reputed target for Millwall’s local rivals Crystal Palace, among others.