With the second edition of ‘EFL 21 Under 21’ airing last Friday, we thought we’d check in with our EFL Under 21 Player Stat Leaders!

(For the purpose of this article, ‘U21’ refers to players under the age of 21 as of 1st August 2022.)

Watford wonderkid João Pedro has eight Championship goals to his name this season; two more than Tommy Conway and Amad Diallo. The 21-year-old Brazilian also tops the charts in terms of dribbles completed (43). Bristol City’s Alex Scott is the second-most fouled player in the second tier (58), behind Middlesbrough’s Isaiah Jones (63). Scott has also won 60 tackles so far this season; one less than Sunderland’s Dan Neil (61). Burnley’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis (on loan from Manchester City) also features prominently; leading his counterparts for clearances (88), aerial duels won (83) and interceptions (52).

No EFL player under the age of 21 has scored more goals in their respective league this season than Josh Coburn (9). The Bristol Rovers forward (on loan from Middlesbrough) has been thriving in Joey Barton’s goal-hungry side. Peterborough United’s Kwame Poku and Exeter City’s Jay Stansfield (on loan from Fulham) have both registered five assists. Elsewhere, Kwame Poku’s teammate, Harrison Burrows, tops the charts for key passes (38), while Derby County’s Eiran Cashin leads the way in terms of interceptions, (50) aerials won (166) and tackles won (50).

Swindon’s Jacob Wakeling has made an excellent start to life at the County Ground. The former West Brom and Leicester youngster already has ten direct goal involvements to his name. AFC Wimbledon’s Ayoub Assal has also scored five times in the fourth tier this season; in addition to completing 24 dribbles. Femi Seriki, the Sheffield United wing-back on loan at Rochdale, is actually the second-most fouled player in League Two this season (56). Finally, Grimsby’s Andy Smith (on loan from Hull City) leads his counterparts for interceptions (39) and clearances (89).

(Photo Creds – MusicFox FX)