You might remember I did a Lincoln City XI, Premier League style a couple of weeks ago.
It involved using a piece of software that compares the stats of all players in the EFL. You can use it to find the players who profile similarly, such as Deji Elerewe and Sonny Bradley, as Chris explained. Once I get sold on an idea, I do get carried away, and I have loved playing with this.
After doing the Premier League XI, I decided to do the same for the Championship. Which players in the division above profile closest to our own? What would the most Lincoln City XI look like from the division above?
Let’s find out!
GK: George Wickens – James Beadle (Birmingham City)
I have picked a player to match up with Wickens purely for balance, but in terms of profiling, the website doesn’t do that. So I have picked one with a similar prevented goals number, and similar in age.
Beadle is contracted to Brighton, but on loan in the Championship with Birmingham City. He has gained senior experience through loan spells with clubs including Oxford United, Crewe Alexandra and Sheffield Wednesday, and has represented England at youth international level.
RB: Tendayi Darikwa – Milan van Ewijk (Coventry City) 75.79%
Tendayi brings pace and energy to our right side, and it seems in terms of profile that aligns with one of the very best in the division above.
An attack-minded right back who arrived at Coventry from Heerenveen in 2023, van Ewijk built his reputation in the Eredivisie for relentless forward runs and final third delivery. Quick over the ground and comfortable high up the pitch, he fits modern wing back demands perfectly.
LB: Adam Reach – Josh Tymon (Swansea City) 79.51%
Tymon is another 20-something who profiles similarly to one of our 30-somethings, which is a testament to the energy and application our old heads put in.
A product of Hull City’s academy, Tymon moved on to Stoke City before establishing himself at Swansea. He offers balance on the left, equally capable of tucking in defensively or overlapping to provide width and crossing quality.