Arguably the most competitive domestic competition on the planet, the Championship is a joy to follow. Discussed on podcasts and featured on football-related television shows, the drama it serves up makes the Championship a more attractive proposition for many fans of England football. Unlike the Premier League, its unpredictable nature is another factor behind the Championship’s growing appeal. 

Additionally, it’s a competition that is packed full of talent. In general, EFL football is home to some emerging stars with seemingly bright futures ahead of them, but most eye-catching professionals tend to play for Championship clubs. This season already, we’ve seen a plethora of exciting players stand out on plenty of occasions, with some of them potentially going on to make even more of an impact in 2024, be it in the Championship or even in England’s top flight should any bigger sides aim to snap them up. 

With the Championship’s strong offering continuing to make it one of the most entertaining domestic competitions around, let’s take a look at five players who have turned it on numerous times already this season and are, therefore, worth keeping an eye on in 2024. 

Charlie Patino – Swansea City (on loan from Arsenal)

Arsenal’s academy appears to have done it again, with Charlie Patino hogging the limelight for Swansea City this season. After enjoying a fruitful loan spell at Blackpool last campaign, Patino has earned another opportunity to impress in the Championship with a team aiming for the playoffs. While the Swans’ mission hasn’t gone according to plan so far, Patino has caught the eye due to his creativity in the midfield area of the pitch. While he does favour the left side, Patino occasionally wonders in an attempt to spark Swansea into life with his evident attacking instincts. Comfortable on the ball in tight areas, Patino is also capable of registering assists and cutting through defences with his intricate passing ability. Mikel Arteta must surely like what he’s seeing from the young midfielder, that’s for sure. 

Crysencio Summerville – Leeds United 

Whether or not Leeds United will be able to retain the services of Crysencio Summerville remains to be seen, but the 22-year-old Dutch winger is clearly capable of firing the club back to the Premier League come the end of the season. The only player in the entire top four tiers of English football who is having 3+ shots per 90 minutes (3.4) and creating 3+ chances per 90 minutes (3.4) at the time of writing, Summerville is a threat in every game and seems to have struck up a formidable partnership with Georginio Rutter in particular. With goals and assists to his name, Crysencio Summerville is one of the most potent attacking players in the whole of English football. Should Leeds United fail to win promotion back to the Premier League, Summerville will surely leave the Yorkshire giants. 

Sam Bell – Bristol City

A product of Bristol City’s youth academy, Sam Bell is a player with a seemingly bright future ahead of him. In 2024, Bell is expected to go up another level and help fire a side many who indulge in sports betting fancied for a playoff push this season. While City’s season has been a bit up and down, Bell’s performances have been highly impressive throughout. Numerous spells in non-league football helped Bell develop his game, and Bristol City’s patience in nurturing the young forward appears to be paying off. Aged 21, his versatility makes him an attractive option for clubs after an adaptable forward player, with Bell also occupying the left side of the pitch. Adept in either role and showcasing his immense dribbling ability wherever he plays, Bell has an average of 3.31 in 1v1 dribbles per 90 minutes, highlighting his clear technical ability. 

Jack Clarke – Sunderland 

Like the aforementioned Summerville at Leeds, Sunderland will be desperate to keep hold of Jack Clarke, a key cog in their wheel. The former Leeds academy player is one of the Black Cats’ main threats, with his dribbling ability standing out on numerous occasions already this season. Clarke isn’t the finished article yet, but he is proving to be too good for Championship football this season, and he clearly has the ability to play at a much higher level should he continue on the right track. A Premier League side could certainly come calling in the near future, and it wouldn’t surprise any Sunderland fans either. 

Jaden Philogene – Hull City 

Another top talent in the Championship who will clearly be aiming to prove his former employers Aston Villa wrong, Jaden Philogene is yet another young prospect who is hogging the limelight at Hull City. In scintillating form for the Tigers this season, Jaden Philogene’s departure from Villa is paying off. He’s playing every week and clearly benefiting from it. He is an integral part of a strong Hull City side, and he is clearly hungry for more growth after failing to make the breakthrough at Unai Emery’s club. A powerful winger with plenty of pace, Jaden Philogene’s career is well worth keeping tabs on, both in 2024 and beyond.