The twenty best players in League One: Pt 4 - Sunderland man features but is he top of the list?

5. Matt Clarke (Portsmouth - Defender)

A firm fan favourite at Fratton Park, Clarke was a standout performer last term, scooping the club’s Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards as well as a handful of supporters’ club gongs.

Still only 22-years-old, he was linked with a move further up the pyramid in the summer with Pompey failing to reach the play-offs in 2017/18, but such was his importance chairman Michael Eisner claimed it would take an “astronomical” bid to prize him away from the south coast.

After signing a new contract recently, both Pompey and Clarke will be hoping for promotion to the Championship this term, but if that isn’t achieved, don’t be surprised to see Clarke get snapped up by a second tier team such is his quality.

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4. James Justin (Luton Town - Defender)

The hottest young property in League One? Step forward James Justin.

Young player of the month in December, Justin has ignored the admiring glances from clubs such as Leeds United to concentrate on continuing to gain valuable first team experience, and as such, at only 20-years-old has already featured in 77 first team matches for The Hatters as well as breaking into the successful England Under-20 squad.

His introduction to the side in 2016 coincided with Luton’s rise from the ashes, which may even go one better this term as they sit comfortably in top spot in League One.

Very much a modern day full back, the defender can also operate on the wing for the table toppers due to his lighting quick pace and superb crossing ability.

Justin is quite simply the brightest talent in the third tier.

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3. Kieffer Moore (Barnsley - Forward)

A player many fans were desperate to see pull on the red and white of Sunderland has been in scintillating form for Barnsley all season and has pulled in a sixteen goal haul for the Oakwell club so far this season.

The giant striker put in a colossal performance during Barnsley 4-2 defeat at the Stadium of Light this term and his huge frame and sheer brute force has put many, many League One defences to the sword this season. He’s right up there with the best forwards in the league (although there is one better, in our opinion...).

He’s a complete handful and isn’t frightened to have a go at goal, as evidenced by his appearance at number two in the stats table for shots on target. Clinical and strong, Kieffer Moore makes our top three.

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2. Aiden McGeady (Sunderland - Winger)

McGeady has a phenomenal record this season for any player at any level, and it’s testament to the Irishman that Sunderland fans and McGeady alike would have expected no less of him, such is his natural talent and ability.

When McGeady is in the mood no full back in this league can live with him. His foot work and ability turn defenders inside out is like no other in League One, like it or not.

He’s no shrinking violet this term either and isn’t afraid of his defensive duties, winning 49% of his tackles. The bloke is sheer unadulterated class and I bloody love him.

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1. Lyle Taylor (Charlton Athletic - Forward)

Typical of Sunderland, the best player in League One (in my humble opinion) is Charlton Athletic’s Lyle Taylor - Sunderland’s main summer transfer target that we couldn’t convince to move north. In his two performances against us this term, Taylor has looked head and shoulders above others we have seen.

Whilst many people look to John Marquis, Kieffer Moore and James Collins as the best strikers in League One, the Londoner’s ability to stick it in the onion bag alongside his all-round game is what set’s him apart as the league’s best player - let alone best striker.

His return of twelve goals may be lower than some, but his assist tally is far and above any of the aforementioned strikers and he has aided The Addicks with eight assists this season.

Without doubt the best all-round player in the third tier.

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