Ronnie Edwards

Edwards made his name as a centre back comfortable enough in possession to act as a genuine outlet, rather than just a last line of defence. He steps into midfield spaces when the moment allows and picks a forward pass instead of the safe option. That willingness to take responsibility on the ball earned him individual recognition even during a difficult relegation fight. England's youth setup kept calling him up through those same years, which tells its own story.

Whether that ball playing instinct survives daily contact with sharper, more physical Championship forwards is the honest question hanging over him. Progressive passing from the back only matters if the defensive side of the job stays solid underneath it. A young centre back still has to prove both halves travel together at a tougher level.