Four EFL Loanees Who Look Destined for a Career at the Highest Level

Each season Premier League clubs send a selection of their most promising young players out on loan to the EFL. This gives them the chance to sample the rigours of competitive football on a twice-weekly basis and allows them to gain valuable match-day experience. These deals tend to be mutually beneficial for both parties and we take a look at four players who have already made a notable impression in their new surroundings.

Harvey Elliott

It’s still very early days for Harvey Elliott at Blackburn, yet the Liverpool loanee has already impressed the Rovers faithful. The winger has played a full 90 minutes in both of his appearances so far and has looked extremely comfortable at this level. His superbly weighted ball set up Adam Armstrong against Watford on October 21st, and he went one better three days later, getting off the mark in the Lancashire club’s thumping 4-0 victory over Coventry.

Tony Mowbray encourages his sides to play attractive possession-based football, and that should play to the strengths of the Chertsey-born star. Rovers have started the season positively and are 9/2 in the latest football betting to achieve promotion this season. If they are able to return to the Premier League, the on-loan winger is likely to play a significant role.

Adam Phillips

Phillips is currently enjoying his second spell at Morecambe, and the Burnley loanee has undoubtedly caught the eye during his time at the Globe Arena. He fired in four goals in 11 appearances during his first stint, and has continued to impress with a string of eye-catching performances. He’s been responsible for four of the club’s first ten goals this campaign, and he’s currently averaging around two shots per match. Only two Shrimps players have played more minutes than the 22-year old this year, and he will surely get the chance to compete in the top flight upon his return to Turf Moor next summer.

Josh Sims

Southampton loanee Josh Sims has hit the ground running at the Keepmoat Stadium and has quickly established himself as a fan favourite. The winger has only played 194 minutes for Doncaster Rovers, yet he’s already notched his first goal for the club and claimed three assists. He is the latest in a long line of promising Saints’ players who have cut their teeth in League One, and his ability to drift in from the left often bamboozles opposition defenders. His deliveries are impressive, and he also has enough speed to get to the by-line. Sims has a bright future in the game, and he will surely be working his way into Ralph Hasenhuttl’s plans for next season.

Mitch Clark

Clark is currently enjoying his third loan spell in Burslem. The 21-year old has slowly become one of League Two’s most accomplished defenders. His versatility is his greatest asset, and he is comfortable on either flank. He averages 1.8 interceptions per game and is clearly thriving playing alongside experienced campaigners such as Leon Legge and Shaun Brisley. The Leicester loanee has been part of one of the division’s meanest defences, and he will surely go onto bigger and better things.

These four players have all impressed at their temporary homes so far. It surely won’t be long before they become top-flight regulars. This quartet of future stars are clearly benefitting from the experience, and they will surely return to their parent clubs as far more well-rounded and proficient performers.