By Adam Virgo
The race for the Football League is getting down to the crunch and, like everyone, I won’t be taking my eyes off it.
Only two clubs can be promoted but every transfer window we’re seeing more and more players get their move up the ladder.
There’s so much quality in the National League, so here’s a look at six stars I think can cut it in the EFL – and why not take a look at the quality on show here https://www.betting.org/.
I’ve tried to steer clear from the obvious and spread it across the positions – and there’s plenty more where these boys came from!
Ben Tollitt
Tranmere Rovers:
He’s been hit with some bad injuries so he’s not played as many games as he’d like in his career so far, and that’s a shame. Tranmere missed him massively during last season’s run-in.
Earlier this season we covered their game against Leyton Orient and he was brilliant. He can really run with the ball – get you 30 yards up the pitch with his pace and directness. I love the way, if he’s on the left, he looks to come inside on his right foot to shoot.
Unfortunately in that Orient game he got another knee injury and it has kept him out until recently. I still think Tranmere will go up, but if they don’t I can see clubs taking a punt. At 23 he’s at a great age – he is a cut above the rest in the National League. He’s got Championship quality. He just needs a full season to get really fit and flying.
Danny Rowe
AFC Fylde:
This was a big season for Danny after scoring nearly 50 goals last season in the National League North. That is some feat at any level.
Early in his career he had a lot of loan moves and that doesn’t always help confidence. He’s similar to Ricky Miller last year – he’s found a club, a manager in Dave Challinor, and style of play that really suits him. He’s the best striker in the National League leading the line on his own.
When he’s in the 18-yard box he’s always looking to get on that left foot and find the back of the net, but he’s also provided assists. That’s what Matt Rhead did at Lincoln City as they won the title and that’s massive.
Danny is 28 and a player who could step up and succeed. If any Football League manager, especially in League Two, asked me if they should take a chance I’d say, ‘You’d be mad not to’.
Louis Dennis
Bromley:
He’s been moved more centrally this season into the No.10 rule – it was a stroke of genius from Bromley manager Neil Smith and his staff.
Dennis, right, is really brave on the ball. When I saw him against Ebbsfleet he made a couple of forays forward that he overran, but he didn’t ever go hiding.
He can do a job out wide, but the free role means he can pick up the ball in great positions. He’s a tidy player, has scored some brilliant goals this season and is someone who would benefit from playing with even better players – that’s not to say Bromley aren’t decent, because they are a good side.
He seems happy in that position and is having a wonderful season because he’s involved in the game so much more. He seems like someone who is willing to listen and learn. And when a team is built around you it inspires lots of confidence. He’s a special talent in the final third.
Grant Smith
Boreham Wood:
I know him from when he came through the ranks at Brighton before moving onto Bognor Regis Town, where he found his feet.
Along with Macclesfield‘s Shwan Jalal, I think he’s the best keeper in the division and has deserved his England C call-ups.
He’s a decent shot-stopper, commands his box really well and has kept some crucial clean sheets this season. A lot of that comes down to organising your defence in front of you.
It’s so vital to have a strong goalkeeper. Look at Paul Farman at Lincoln last year. People were up and down about him, but he was key to their success. The spine of the team is very important and Grant’s certainly come into his own this season. It’s a testament to Boreham Wood as a whole.
Callum Reynolds
Aldershot Town:
He can play full-back, but when he’s at centre-half he really looks at home – he was outstanding last season alongside Will Evans with the pair influential in why Aldershot did so well.
I know he’s had an on-going injury this season, but he does what it says on the tin. A solid defender and a leader, who has really grown at the Shots. He’s got a goal in him as well, which is really important for a defender.
He’s had a taste of the Football League at Portsmouth. He’s 28 now and been around the block a little bit, but without a doubt he’s one of the best defenders in the league. Maybe not blessed with pace, but you don’t really ever see him skinned at the back because, positionally, he’s so good.
David Fitzpatrick
Macclesfield Town:
Great ability on the ball. He reminds me of Nick Anderton, who was at Barrow last season and moved onto Blackpool – a left-back who constantly bombs up and down the wing. He times his runs so well. The big thing I like about him is how good he is at one-on-ones.
I’ve played at full-back – I remember a particularly torrid afternoon at Exeter – and you can be exposed. But because he’s that good at one-on-ones, his team-mates don’t have to come back and double up with him. That helps Macclesfield’s midfielders get in better positions higher up the field. I always enjoy watching him play.
Some tough decisions, with special mentions to Leyton Orient duo Macauley Bonne and Sam Ling, as well as Sutton United striker Tommy Wright. The National League sure has talent!
*This article originally featured in The @NonLeaguePaper which is available every Sunday and Monday
