With the EFL's Youth Development Week underway, renowned Football commentator David Stowell has taken a closer look at some of the best young talents from across all three divisions.
He's also given his verdict on a huge Carabao Cup Final victory for Newcastle United who shocked Liverpool at Wembley to win their first major domestic trophy in 70 years.
David is a veteran behind the mic, having covered every level of the club game over the last 15+ years, from youth team football all the way up to The Champions League Final for some of the biggest broadcasters in the business.
Celebrating Youth
“You can’t win anything with kids.” Well, you can clearly. We’ve all learned that over recent decades in football, and the current crop of EFL youngsters are doing their level best to drive their clubs forward to victory.
The Sky Bet Championship has played host to a plethora of exciting young guns this season and they’re doing themselves and their sides proud.
One of those who have really put faith in youth is Sunderland, with the likes of Romain Mundle (21 years old), Eliezer Mayenda (19), Tom Watson (18) and Chris Rigg (17) all making a big impression.
Sheffield United’s Ollie Arblaster (20) started off 2024/25 playing like a seasoned campaigner before injury struck, so Sydie Peck (also 20), stepped into Arblaster’s shoes and hasn’t left the centre of the Blades’ midfield since.
Across the city, Sheffield Wednesday’s Shea Charles (21) has caught the eye, while other notable second-tier performers include, Middlesborough’s loanee Ben Doak (19) and West Bromwich Albion’s Tom Fellows (21).
Sky Bet League One
21-year-old Louie Barry lit up League One before returning to parent club Aston Villa, while Richard Kone (21) has been a constant thorn in the side of the division’s defences.
Barry’s former Stockport County teammate Ethan Pye (21) clearly has a really bright future ahead of him, rather like Nottingham Forest/Reading’s Tyler Bindon (20) & Charlton’s effervescent attacker Miles Leaburn (21).
All of these players are not only highly thought of by their clubs but are also being trusted hugely already.
Sky Bet League Two
Walsall’s on-loan frontman Nathan Lowe (19) was devastating in the first half of the campaign, forming a rock-solid partnership with the experienced Jamile Matt.
Notts County’s midfielder George Abbott (19), borrowed from Tottenham Hotspur, has hit some screamers this term and has settled into senior football seamlessly.
Doncaster Rovers' Jamie McGrath (21) & Colchester United’s Samson Tovide (21) are other examples of youngsters who are making waves, and learning on the job as they go.
There are many many more in their teens and early twenties who have not only forced their way into EFL line-ups this season but are now being depended on week in, week out.
Fair play to all of them and the way that our clubs are educating them and helping them grow.
As a fan and a broadcaster, I feel so lucky to enjoy a football pyramid that not only produces so much young talent, but provides an environment in which it can flourish.
If we protect the system and the youngsters within, the game in this country has a fascinating future ahead.
Carabao Cup Final
Talking of celebrations, they don’t come much more highly anticipated than Newcastle United’s win on Sunday.
Huge congratulations to The Magpies after their EFL Cup Final triumph at Wembley, ending their 70-year wait for silverware.
Having covered Newcastle on plenty of occasions over recent years, in both the Premier League and EFL, I’ve been well aware of the weight on the shoulders of the players and staff at that hugely passionate club for some time.
Worthy winners on the day and what a day for the Toon Army!
EFL Round-up
The EFL weekend delivered once again, with huge results up and down the country.
The top of the Championship table is fascinatingly congested, while a third win in a row for Derby County has helped hoist them up towards safety. Cardiff City and Oxford United also managed to claim rare & potentially pivotal wins.
The play-off picture in League One is increasingly chaotic, while Birmingham City continue to streak away at the summit and those at the bottom continue to struggle.
A fifth league win in a row has got Colchester United dreaming of a play-off spot, while Chesterfield fans might be pondering a late push for the top 7 after 3 straight victories.