With the Championship season over and the focus on next season in full swing for most players, who could unlock the Championship next season and be a star for their club.

The benefit of recruiting young talented players has always been a major upturn on the performance of the Championship, proving that the league is growing in potential and the players that have been involved have truly lit up the league.

The emerging talents of Leeds United players including Lewis Cook, Alex Mowatt, Sam Byram and Charlie Taylor have proved that youth can rule the roost at any club, given the confidence and first team opportunities they deserve.

As clubs look to spend less and improve more, youth recruitment and academy graduates are the best way to improve your side. Clubs including Blackburn, Brentford, Fulham, Leeds and Bolton have benefited from letting youth take the lead and this season could see more young Championship talent shine in the limelight.

Here are THREE players who could really set the Championship alight next season.

PRESS NEXT PAGE BELOW TO SEE THE THREE PLAYERS

 

1. Patrick Roberts

There have been rave reviews of the young winger that has come through the ranks at Fulham, but his career is not as glamorous as it should be, with Fulham protecting their asset by not allowing him a first team start.

With clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal hovering over the talented young winger, Fulham are scrambling to secure Roberts on a longer contract, which is set to run out next season.

United are keeping tabs on Roberts

Roberts has been restricted to 2 starts and restricted to a measly 357 minutes of football for the Championship strugglers this season, who could have done with both pace and width in a terrible season.

If Fulham are to keep Roberts at the club for the next season, the promise of first team football will be a major stumbling block, if Roberts can't play regularly then a move to a top side will give him the chance to gain a first team opportunity on loan.

Roberts is a versatile midfielder who can play on either wing or in attacking midfield and has the confidence to take on defenders. If Roberts stays at Fulham and gets the opportunities he deserves, we could see an emerging star that could soon be linked with an England Under 21 spot at the tender age of 18.

2. Massimo Luongo

Having officially joined QPR, Luongo has made a step up into the Championship and is set for a fantastic debut season at Loftus Road.

The 22-year-old had a fantastic season with Swindon this season and was nearly promoted to the Championship with his previous club, before a 4-0 loss to Preston in the playoff final decided their fate.

Former Swindon Town star Massimo Luongo is on the 59-man shortlist for this year's Ballon d'Or

The former Tottenham youth prospect had a very successful two years at Swindon after leaving Spurs for a minute £400k fee last summer, with 12 goals for the club in 78 appearances from central midfield.

Luongo has now joined a QPR side who have made huge loses in midfield including former captain Joey Barton and is set to spearhead their challenge for promotion next season.

The Socceroo star is a tireless midfielder, who is a constant battler with fantastic technique and vision and will hold up the ball and find wingers like Hoilett and Phillips as they push forwards. Luongo could be the perfect signing for QPR and could be set for a fantastic season in London.

3. Luke Freeman

Finally back in the second tier of football, Freeman has journeyed far and wide to get back to the high ranks of English football since leaving the glitz of the Premiership for a League One outfit.

The former Arsenal graduate joined and starred at Stevenage before signing for Bristol City last summer for a reported £130k fee. Since joining the League One champions, Freeman has gone on to score 7 goals this season and has been a major part of their promotion this season.

Freeman has excelled at Bristol City

The versatile forward can play in an array of positions from left winger, attacking misfiled and as a striker. His fierce pace and attacking mind make him a formidable foe for any defensive partnership in the league.

At 23-years-old, Freeman still has years to develop at Bristol and his passion and drive could make him an instant star this season in the Championship.