5 Championship Players Who Could Make The Step Up

1. Will Hughes (Derby County)

2012/13 has been a real breakthrough season for the 18 year-old with over 30 appearances and a couple of goals to his name. The central midfielder has maturity beyond his years and whenever I have seen him his decision making and composure on the ball have impressed me. A real all-rounder he has a turn of pace not normally associated with players of his position meaning he combines the technique to pick a pass with the athletic ability to go past a man. He already has caps for the England Under-21s and even Barcelona are rumoured to be interested. A definite star for the future.

2. Charlie Austin (Burnley)

The 23 year-old Burnley hit-man has had his most prolific season to date smashing 25 goals in 37 games. A constant nuisance for defences, Austin has all the attributes to make a quality Premier League striker and he is still young which means he will improve further. There will be no shortage of top flight clubs competing for his signature in the summer.

3. Liam Bridcutt (Brighton&Hove Albion)

Brighton’s midfield enforcer has won many plaudits for his performances this season. Player of the season for his club in 2011-12, Bridcutt has gone from strength to strength. He is a monster in the tackle, a natural leader and a physical presence. Regardless of whether he wins promotion with his current side, chances are the 23 year-old will be playing top flight football next season.

4. Ludovic Sylvestre (Blackpool)

Although not Blackpool’s biggest name, the former Barcelona man has been attracting Premier League interest with recent performances. Signed by Ian Holloway in Blackpool’s season in the Premier League the Frenchman had struggled to establish himself in the Blackpool side until Paul Ince took over as manager. Often overlooked due to fitness and toughness concerns the creative midfield player has really come into his own with a recent run in the side. Schooled in the same youth team as Xavi and Iniesta, Sylvestre has brilliant vision, technique and incredible passing skills. Over the second half of the season he has scored some important and spectacular goals. Out of contract in the Summer, he could well be worth a punt.

5. Yannick Bolasie (Crystal Palace)

Rather than being in Wilfried Zaha’s shadow at Palace some might say the 23 year-old DR Congo winger has outshone United’s £15million signing. Lighting fast feet and pace to burn, Bolasie is a danger to any defence. If he can add consistency and more goals to his game he will surely become a Premier League player soon.