AI has ranked the 25 best EFL Championship players of all-time - Do you agree? | OneFootball

FLW has asked AI just who they think are the top Championship players of all-time.

The EFL Championship has thrown up numerous stars over the years, with every season providing a new name in the spotlight.

This term, we've seen the likes of James Trafford, Ao Tanaka, and Gustavo Hamer light up the division. But just who makes the list of the top 25 Championship players of all time?

To find out, Football League World asked AI tool ChatGPT - and it's fair to say it came up with some controversial choices.

25 Callum Wilson

Kicking off the list in 25th place we have Callum Wilson.

The now Newcastle United striker spent just one full season in the Championship with AFC Bournemouth, and it is fair to say he lit up the division with his goalscoring prowess.

Scoring 20 goals and providing 13 assists, he was a key figure in the Cherries' promotion campaign of 2014–15, as they secured the Championship title ahead of Watford and Norwich City. While he may have only spent one season at that level, it's fair to say he's one of the finest strikers to feature in the division, having gone on to enjoy a successful career in the top flight since.

24 Patrick Bamford

Just above Wilson, we have another striker and a surprise inclusion on this list in the form of Patrick Bamford.

The Chelsea academy product has featured for three separate teams in the Championship, but it is at Leeds United where he has arguably had his most success. His record in the division reads reasonably well with 69 goals to his name in just over 200 appearances. However, he has always been criticised for his inability to finish chances.

At his best, he is comfortably a top Championship striker, but his inconsistency has to make you question whether he is deserving of a top 25 spot.

23 Chris Brunt

In 23rd place, we have West Bromwich Albion legend, Chris Brunt.

The versatile midfielder has made multiple appearances between the top flight and the second tier, and his years in the Championship speak for themselves.

His best season in the second tier actually came at Sheffield Wednesday when he managed 11 goals and 12 assists in the 2006-07 campaign. However, his continuation of figures like that in subsequent years and the ability to score stunning goals from anywhere in the final third has him deserving of a spot in the top 25.

22 Kieran Trippier

Next up we have Kieran Trippier, who in the early 2010s became a force to be reckoned with in the Championship.

Making his name as a young full-back, he first caught the eye during a loan spell at Barnsley in the 2010–11 season. However, it was at Burnley where he truly established himself.

After signing permanently from Manchester City following a successful six-month loan, Trippier went on to spend three seasons in the Championship with the Clarets. During that time, he earned a place in the PFA Team of the Year twice and delivered a wealth of assists thanks to his pinpoint crossing and attacking intent.

His record in the second tier stands at 174 appearances, six goals, and 34 assists - an impressive return for a right-back.

James Maddison only had one full season in the Championship, but it was full of quality for Norwich City.

Becoming the linchpin of Daniel Farke's first year at the club, the young midfielder contributed 14 goals and eight assists in 44 appearances. While he is perhaps better known for his exploits in the Premier League, there's no doubt he ranks among the top players to have featured in the Championship.

20 Matt Ritchie

Matt Ritchie is another player who has featured heavily between England's top two tiers, but this season he is back in the Championship with Portsmouth.

His best campaign in the second tier came back in 2014-15 with AFC Bournemouth, where the winger produced an outstanding return of 15 goals and 17 assists in 46 games.

That stunning individual year surely earns him a place in the top 25, so it’s no surprise that AI included him in the list.

19 Anthony Knockaert

One of the most naturally gifted players on this list, at his flying best, Anthony Knockaert was unstoppable.

His best period in the second tier came at Brighton where, in 64 Championship appearances for them, he provided 20 goals and 16 assists. However, his other spells in the division with Leicester City, Fulham and Huddersfield Town weren't quite as successful.

Nevertheless, this can't be deemed as one that AI has got horribly wrong with the Frenchman always being a top Championship player.

18 Robert Snodgrass

Robert Snodgrass was a picture of consistency in the second tier with the former Leeds United man consistently providing goals and assists off the right wing.

Having featured in the Championship for the Whites, West Brom, Norwich City, Hull City, Luton Town, and Aston Villa, his record of 31 goals and 43 assists in 158 appearances is outstanding. He is fully deserving of a place in this top 25 list.

17 Mark Beevers

A surprise inclusion on this list, Mark Beevers' dependability can never be questioned, but whether he has enough quality to make it into the top 25 Championship players of all-time has to be.

The predominance of his appearances in the second tier came for Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall, but you doubt either side would argue for him to be deserving of a place in this list.

16 Bradley Dack

From one surprise pick to another - this time in the form of Bradley Dack.

The 31-year-old's career has sadly been blighted by injuries. While his outstanding 2018–19 campaign can’t be overlooked, it alone doesn’t justify a place on this list.

There’s no denying that, had he stayed fit, Dack might well have earned a spot comfortably. But given his lengthy spells on the sidelines, this selection feels like a clear misstep from AI.