Ryan Manning names the Championship's top three GOATs ahead of new EFL season

That game-changing element has fallen to the boots of many greats over the years, from Adel Tarabaat and Billy Sharpe to Ollie Watkins and Hayden Hackney. 

One man who's seen some of the best of what the league has to offer is Southampton's Ryan Manning, who has spent the majority of his career in the Championship and will be a key member of the Saints squad eyeing promotion once again this campaign. 

Having witnessed the best the league has to offer during his time, he has a stellar list of names who he would consider the Championship's GOAT. But speaking exclusively to DAZN News thanks to Midnite, the Irishman is in no doubt who the standouts are.

"I'll put Ebere Eze in there, for sure," Manning said. 

"I'll probably have to put Michael Olise in there as well, because he was frightening at Reading.

"And then the striker at Fulham, who scored all the goals, Aleksander Mitrovic. He was so good, and almost unstoppable in this league." 

It's an attacking trio that still wouldn't look out of place in any of Europe's top leagues, but when it comes to narrowing it down to one, Manning can't help but wax lyrical about current Arsenal star Eze. 

The defender has firsthand experience of the England international, having played together during their time at QPR, and he reveals that from day one he and the rest of the team could see how good Eze was. 

Adding, "I remember when he first came in in the 21s and just used to get the ball and dribble round everyone and score. And we were like, who's he been released from? They were like Millwall. And we were like, how? Who's released him from Millwall? How has that happened?  He's our best player at the club, never mind the 21s.

"But I think it was sort of a case of he sort of had been released from quite a few clubs and sort of been passed about. I think he came to QPR and I think Chris Ramsey was really good for him there at the time. And they just (7:49) sort of nurtured him, went on loan, had a good time and then came back.

"We broke into the team together. And I think he went from strength to strength. He was just unbelievable once he got going and then obviously got his moves.

"But you could definitely tell from the minute. And obviously, he's such a good fella as well, a real humble person.

"So, you knew once he'd start progressing off, he wouldn't stop. And obviously now, he's played at a World Cup and is a Premier League champion."

Southampton got their domestic campaign underway with a 2-0 win over Colchester at the weekend to book their place in the second round of the League Cup, but begin their Championship season on Sunday as they travel to Watford. 

Southampton first-team players Jack Stephens, Léo Scienza and Ryan Manning joined the Senior Saints in a mobility session earlier this month for Midnite, the official training kit partner of Southampton FC for the 2026/27 season, donated £23,000 to Saints Foundation from its season-long "Brace Yourself" campaign. 

Last season's initiative financially rewarded supporters whenever a Saints player scored twice in a home league match. Midnite continues its commitment to fans and the wider Southampton community with fan-led initiatives.

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