The twenty best players in League One: Part I - Two Sunderland January transfer targets feature

20. Tom Holy (Gillingham - Goalkeeper)

The first of two ‘keepers on this list is Gillingham’s giant 6’6” stopper, Tom Holy.

The Czech goalkeeper is as imposing as you’d expect; he’s also equally good in the air, and has quickly gone from a back-up at Priestfield to one of the best goalkeepers in the league.

With his contract up at the end of the season, he’s already been looked at by the likes of Crystal Palace and Everton, and there’s considerable doubt within The Gills’ fanbase that they’ll be able to hold onto him for much longer.

Despite lining up for a team in the lower reaches of the league table, Holy has made more saves than any other goalkeeper in the league - proving his large amount of clean sheets this season haven’t been a fluke.

Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

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19. Jason Pearce (Charlton Atheltic - Defender)

He may be the wrong side of 30, but the former Wigan Athletic centre-back is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career to date at The Valley.

He’s very much a battled-hardened defender, but Pearce has shown himself to be a capable ball playing defender this term for Charlton, and currently enjoys the best passing percentage in the league for a centre-back.

There’s no doubting his ability at this level, with hundreds of games for the likes of Bournemouth and Wigan Athletic, alongside plenty of experience at Championship level whilst at Leeds and Portsmouth.

Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images

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18: John Marquis (Doncaster Rovers - Forward)

Allegedly chased by the Lads in January, Doncaster’s free-scoring striker is turning into one of the most lethal marksmen in League One. The Lewisham born forward has smashed in 58 goals for Rovers since signing in 2016 and at just 26, he still has his best years ahead of him.

Powerful in the air at 6’1”, he’s as lethal as they come when it comes to converting crosses from the likes of James Coppinger. Marquis just seems to have that ability to find himself in the right position at the right time, making him a real asset for Donny.

With Rotherham United already linked with a move in the summer, and only a year left on his deal come the end of the season, it would be no surprise to see Marquis in the Championship next year.

Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images

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17. Will Grigg (Sunderland - Forward)

Our new centre-forward may not have rediscovered his prolific League One form on Wearside just yet, but his reputation at this level is seriously impressive.

He has achieved promotion from League One no less than three times with Brentford, MK Dons and Wigan Athletic, whilst also being named in the League One team of the year during last season’s title win at the DW Stadium.

He will be looking to add another promotion from League One to his impressive list, and whilst his start to life on Wearside has been a little lukewarm, there’s no doubting his ability at this level as one of the best in the division.

Sunderland Echo

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16: Sikiri Dembele - (Peterborough United - Winger)

The Ivorian is still in the infancy of his career after making his league debut in 2017 for Grimsby Town in League Two.

His impact for the Mariners was so explosive, it convinced promotion hopefuls Peterborough United to splash the cash in the summer, and he has not disappointed at London Road.

At only 22-years-old, Dembele still has an age to grow and improve on his raw ability. And, despite his relative inexperience, he sits top of the league for dribbles attempted (208) and successful dribbles (62%) in his debut season in League One.

No wonder the Posh fans are excited by him.

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

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