Top Ten League One Players For Blocked Shots 2025/26

Blocking shots is one of those defensive actions that can sometimes be overlooked, but in League One during 2025/26, it often separated resilient sides from vulnerable ones.

A blocked shot is exactly what it sounds like: an outfield player preventing an opposition effort from reaching the goal. It is part bravery, part positioning, and part anticipation. The best blockers are usually defenders who read danger early, hold their shape, and commit themselves physically when the moment demands it. They don’t mind taking one in the face, either, and not Debbie Does Dallas style.

There is also important context behind the numbers. Teams under sustained pressure naturally face more shots, meaning defenders at struggling clubs often have more opportunities to block efforts. However, that does not diminish the quality required to consistently put your body on the line over a 46-game season.

Our title-winning campaign perhaps offers the best example of balance. City did not concede many goals, but Sonny Bradley still topped the division for blocks. That suggests a side capable of controlling games while still producing defenders willing to defend their box aggressively when required.

Below are the top ten players for shots blocked in League One during the 2025/26 season. All stats taken from Wyscout.

10. Max Dyche, Northampton Town, 28

Despite Northampton enduring a difficult campaign at the bottom of the table, Max Dyche emerged with considerable credit. His 28 blocked shots across 2,550 minutes underline how frequently he was called upon to protect his defence under pressure. Pretty much what you’d expect from Sean Dyche’s son.

The Cobblers conceded 74 goals, the second-worst record in the division, meaning Dyche spent long periods defending deep and reacting to sustained attacking waves. Even so, the 23-year-old showed strong commitment in defensive situations and consistently put himself in positions to intervene.

At 6ft tall, Dyche is not the most imposing centre half physically, but his numbers suggest a defender prepared to engage directly with danger rather than simply retreat into shape.

9. Joe Wright, Bradford City, 29

Joe Wright’s campaign at Bradford combined experience with reliability. The 31-year-old recorded 29 blocked shots despite playing fewer minutes than many others on this list, featuring in just 29 league matches.

That total becomes more impressive in context. Bradford finished fourth and conceded only 51 goals, meaning Wright was contributing these interventions in a relatively effective defensive unit rather than a side constantly under siege.

His experience appeared valuable in key moments, particularly when defending inside the box. Wright’s frame and positioning allowed him to close shooting angles effectively, helping Bradford remain competitive throughout the promotion race.

8. Zak Jules, Rotherham United, 29

Zak Jules was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing season for Rotherham. The left-sided defender registered 29 blocked shots in just 35 appearances as the Millers struggled near the bottom of the table.

Rotherham conceded 71 goals, among the highest totals in the division, which inevitably increased the defensive workload on players like Jules. However, his inclusion here reflects more than volume alone.

At 6ft 3in, Jules used his reach effectively inside the area and regularly stepped across attackers to prevent efforts reaching goal. His left-footed balance also offered defensive versatility, particularly when defending wide channels before recovering centrally.

7. Archie Collins, Peterborough United, 29

Archie Collins is the first midfielder on the list, which immediately makes his numbers stand out. Blocking 29 shots from a deeper midfield role highlights both work rate and positional awareness.

Peterborough’s season was inconsistent, finishing 18th despite possessing attacking quality. Collins often became the screen in front of the defence, breaking up attacks and sacrificing himself in shooting situations before they fully developed.

Unlike centre backs blocking close-range efforts inside the six-yard box, many of Collins’ interventions likely came around the edge of the area, where anticipation and reaction speed become especially important.

6. Lewis Wing, Reading, 31

Lewis Wing’s inclusion perhaps says as much about his all-round game as it does his defensive contribution. The Reading midfielder combined creativity with defensive responsibility throughout a turbulent campaign.

Reading finished 12th and conceded 60 goals, but Wing remained one of their most influential players at both ends of the pitch. His 31 blocked shots reflect a player willing to recover defensively and contribute without possession.

Midfielders appearing high on these lists often indicate tactical discipline. Wing clearly understood defensive spaces well, repeatedly getting into positions to prevent shots before they truly threatened his goalkeeper.

5. Isaac Ogundere, AFC Wimbledon, 32

Isaac Ogundere’s versatility made him one of Wimbledon’s most valuable defensive players during a difficult season. Whether operating centrally or at right back, he consistently found himself involved in defensive emergencies.

Wimbledon conceded 72 goals, one of the highest totals in League One, meaning Ogundere rarely enjoyed comfortable afternoons. His 32 blocked shots reflect both workload and commitment.

Standing just 5ft 10in, he is smaller than many defenders on this list, but his athleticism and willingness to engage quickly allowed him to close spaces effectively.

4. Will Fish, Cardiff City, 34

Cardiff’s promotion campaign was built on attacking quality, but defenders like Will Fish still played an important role in key moments. His 34 blocked shots came in fewer minutes than many players around him, making the total particularly notable.

The Manchester United product appeared composed within Cardiff’s defensive structure and showed a willingness to defend aggressively when required. At 23, there is still clear development ahead, but his reading of danger already looks mature.

Importantly, these blocks came within a successful side pushing near the top of the table, suggesting proactive defending rather than desperate survival defending.

3. Ryan Johnson, AFC Wimbledon, 35

Ryan Johnson narrowly edged team-mate Ogundere and became one of only two Wimbledon players inside the top ten. His 35 blocked shots came across nearly 3,900 minutes in a side that spent much of the season under pressure.

The left-sided centre back showed resilience throughout the campaign, repeatedly throwing himself into dangerous situations to limit damage. Wimbledon’s defensive record was poor overall, but Johnson’s individual commitment was difficult to question.

His consistency across 40 matches also separates him from players posting numbers in smaller sample sizes.

2. Oliver Casey, Blackpool, 39

Oliver Casey was a major defensive presence for Blackpool throughout the season. His 39 blocked shots helped a side that often struggled for consistency remain competitive in mid-table.

At 6ft 2in, Casey offered physicality, but his biggest strength here appeared to be anticipation. Blocking shots consistently is rarely random. The best players recognise danger before the strike arrives, positioning themselves early enough to intervene.

Blackpool conceded 65 goals, meaning there were plenty of defensive actions required, but Casey’s numbers still stand out given the volume.

1. Sonny Bradley, Lincoln City, 43

Sonny Bradley topping this list feels entirely fitting for our title-winning season. The veteran defender produced 43 blocked shots across more than 4,400 minutes, combining leadership with relentless defensive commitment.

What makes Bradley’s numbers especially impressive is the context around our season. City conceded just 41 goals, the best defensive record among the top sides, and controlled many matches through possession and structure. Bradley was not simply facing endless pressure every week.

Instead, his numbers reflect concentration, organisation, and timing. When danger emerged, Bradley consistently put himself in the right position to deal with it. At 6ft 5in and naturally aggressive in defensive situations, he became the division’s standout shot blocker while also captaining the league champions.

Top Ten League One Blocked Shots