The 15 best Championship players so far this season, featuring stars from West Ham, Southampton and Middlesbrough

With the Championship season now eight games old, the first international break provides an ideal opportunity to assess the players who have made the biggest impression during the opening weeks of the 2026/27 campaign.

The division has already produced several excellent individual performances, with some players making the difference through goals and assists, while others have stood out for their defensive work, creativity, consistency or ability to influence matches.

Swansea City have enjoyed an excellent start under Vitor Matos, but no Swansea player features here. Their early success has largely come through collective performances rather than one individual dominating proceedings.

With that in mind, here are 15 players who have impressed most so far.

15. Divine Mukasa — West Ham United

Divine Mukasa has quickly become an intriguing figure for West Ham after arriving on loan from Manchester City. His two spectacular goals against Wolverhampton Wanderers certainly attracted attention, but his performances before that had already suggested he could make a significant impact.

Mukasa has been operating in a deeper midfield position than the attacking role he played earlier in his development. He has increasingly looked comfortable controlling possession, demanding the ball and helping West Ham build attacks. His display against Millwall was particularly impressive, showing maturity and composure beyond his years.

14. Oladapo Afolayan — Blackburn Rovers

Oladapo Afolayan has provided Blackburn Rovers with an important attacking outlet during the opening eight matches. The forward has registered three goals and two assists, making a direct contribution to several valuable moments.

His pace gives Blackburn an option in behind defensive lines, while his ability to create opportunities for teammates adds another dimension to his game. Afolayan’s productive start has provided Tony Mowbray’s side with an important platform as they look to establish themselves higher up the table.

13. George Wickens — Lincoln City

Lincoln City have made an encouraging start, and goalkeeper George Wickens deserves considerable credit for the defensive foundations behind it.

The Imps have recorded three away victories with clean sheets, highlighting the importance of their defensive organisation. Wickens has provided confidence behind his defenders and made crucial saves when required.

Goalkeepers do not always receive the same attention as attacking players, but Wickens’ performances have been central to Lincoln’s impressive opening. Maintaining that defensive consistency could prove vital as the season progresses.

12. Camiel Neghli — Millwall

Camiel Neghli has continued the form he showed last season, when he recorded five goals and four assists for Millwall.

The Algerian has already produced two goals and two assists from his first eight league appearances this term. His ability to find pockets of space, create chances and provide attacking energy has made him an important part of Alex Neil’s team.

With Millwall competing near the upper end of the Championship, Neghli’s creativity could become increasingly important over the coming months.

11. Finn Azaz — Southampton

Southampton’s away performances have not always matched their displays at St Mary’s, but Finn Azaz has emerged as one of their most influential players.

The attacking midfielder has already been involved in eight goals and has particularly impressed on home soil. His combination of goals, assists, movement and ability to threaten with either foot makes him difficult for opponents to control.

If Southampton can improve their results away from home, Azaz could become an even more important figure in their promotion challenge.

10. Jimmy-Jay Morgan — West Bromwich Albion

Jimmy-Jay Morgan is quickly looking like an excellent acquisition for West Bromwich Albion following his move from Chelsea.

The forward has three goals and three assists from his first eight league games. His contribution, however, extends beyond his statistics. Morgan can play centrally before moving into wider positions, allowing him to create space and disrupt defensive structures.

His developing combinations with Isaac Price, Harry Whitwell and Aune Heggebo have also been encouraging. Morgan’s early performances suggest he could play a major role for Albion this season.

9. Ethan Galbraith — Stoke City

Ethan Galbraith’s move to Stoke City has given him an opportunity to showcase his qualities on a bigger stage. After being somewhat underrated during his Swansea spell, the midfielder has made an immediate impression.

Galbraith has three goals and one assist already, although his importance cannot be measured purely through statistics. His passing, technical ability and understanding of how to connect different areas of the pitch have made him particularly valuable.

His current trajectory suggests he could soon be recognised among the Championship’s leading midfielders.

8. Callum Styles — West Bromwich Albion

Callum Styles’ versatility has once again made him an invaluable asset. West Brom have used him in midfield, at left-back and even at right-back, yet his performances have remained consistently reliable.

His set-piece delivery provides an additional attacking weapon, while his willingness to perform different roles gives West Brom flexibility during matches.

Styles may not always attract the same headlines as Albion’s attacking players, but his consistency and adaptability make him one of their most dependable performers.

7. Callum Doyle — Wrexham

Callum Doyle has quickly established himself as an important part of Wrexham’s defence.

The young defender arrived with considerable experience and has demonstrated his quality both defensively and in possession. Doyle is confident carrying the ball forward, capable of breaking lines with his passing and aggressive when defending.

For a Wrexham side competing in only their second Championship season, having a defender with his level of experience and quality provides a significant advantage.

6. Rio Cardines — Bristol City

Rio Cardines has enjoyed a remarkable introduction to Championship football. The Crystal Palace full-back has registered six assists in his first eight league appearances, an extraordinary contribution from a player operating primarily at left-back.

Despite naturally being right-footed, Cardines has repeatedly created problems from wide areas. His deliveries and set-piece quality have provided Bristol City with a valuable attacking weapon.

Maintaining such extraordinary numbers will be difficult, but his opening performances have undoubtedly been among the most impressive in the division.

5. Max O’Leary — West Bromwich Albion

Max O’Leary has been one of West Brom’s most reliable performers during the opening weeks.

His outstanding display against Wolves was a particularly memorable example, despite Albion eventually losing the match. O’Leary repeatedly kept his team competitive under pressure and has already collected several Player of the Match performances.

His ability to make important saves in tight matches could prove extremely valuable as West Brom’s season develops.

4. Cyle Larin — Southampton

Cyle Larin has made an outstanding start as a permanent Southampton player, scoring seven goals in eight Championship matches.

That tally is already only one goal short of his entire league total from last season, despite having played ten fewer games. His finishing has given Southampton a reliable focal point and the consistent goalscoring threat required by any team with promotion ambitions.

There is plenty of football remaining, but Larin’s early contribution has immediately made him one of the division’s most dangerous strikers.

3. Will Lankshear — Middlesbrough

Will Lankshear has been one of the biggest revelations of the Championship season so far.

The 21-year-old has scored six goals in eight league games and eight across 11 appearances in all competitions. His development has been particularly striking after previously showing promise without producing such remarkable numbers.

His previous loan spell at Oxford United brought 11 league goals in 44 appearances, but his finishing for Middlesbrough has now taken another step forward. Kim Hellberg will be delighted with the impact his young striker has made.

2. Jarrod Bowen — West Ham United

West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen has started the Championship campaign with four goals and three assists from the right wing.

What makes his contribution even more notable is the sense that there is still more to come. Bowen’s movement, finishing, creativity and experience make him one of the division’s most influential players.

His leadership will also be crucial during a long 46-game campaign. If he continues producing at this level, West Ham will have a major attacking threat throughout the season.

1. Fer Lopez — Wolverhampton Wanderers

Fer Lopez has been outstanding for Wolves and sits at the top of this list after a superb opening to the campaign.

The 22-year-old Spaniard has scored four goals and supplied two assists, but his influence extends beyond those numbers. Lopez has shown improved physical strength alongside his technical quality and ability to connect different areas of the pitch.

His performances have already attracted attention, and continued form could generate significant interest ahead of January. For now, Wolves are benefiting from a player enjoying an exceptional start to the 2026/27 Championship season.