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The EFL has been the hub of some incredible talent over the course of the last couple of decades, with this season providing the division with even more quality.
From strikers to goalkeepers, some of the most iconic players in England have come from the second, third and fourth tiers with the likes of Billy Sharp, David Nugent and Ross McCormack all some of the recognisable goal scorers over the course of this time.
While we are entering a new era, some familiar faces still remain, with David McGoldrick continuing to roll back in the years in League Two with Notts County, just two seasons after lighting up League One with Derby County.
In recent years, we have started to see some of these iconic players wind down their careers and retire, but the question that is often brought up is, who is the very best to have played in these leagues?
With just one game to go this season the focus on Sunday evening turned to the EFL awards, as Curtis Davies won the Sir Tom Finney Award, and the defender has been preparing for his first final day of the season as a retired player by looking back at one of the EFL’s best ever players.
Curtis Davies makes Adel Tarrabt claim at the EFL Awards
Davies was an incredible servant to the likes of Derby and Hull City during his storied career that stretched across the top three divisions of English football. He saw it all over this time, and he has picked out a former QPR great as the best player in the EFL’s history.
It was a difficult choice for the retired centre-back, but he eventually came to a decision, with the ex-R’s star Adel Taarabt taking the crown.
Davies said: “The EFL GOAT, ever?
“It’s probably someone like Dave Jones, the player, because he’s had so many promotions. But my favourite would probably be Taarabt.
He continued: “In terms of excitement and stuff like that, that’s who I’d go with.”
Jobe Bellingham went with his former Birmingham City teammate Lukas Jutkiewicz, while Burnley’s James Trafford chose his ex-Bolton Wanderers colleague Kyle Dempsey.
McGoldrick, picked out Billy Sharp as Viktor Johannson got the nod from Nathan Lowe.
Adel Taarabt was simply sensational during his time with QPR
It’s been a decade since the ex-AC Milan man left the R’s for Benfica after over six years at Loftus Road. Although his time at the club ended in a disappointing manner, his influence in the past cannot be denied.
Davies is not the only player to be so in awe of the Moroccan ace, with Morgan Gibbs-White also a fan of Taarabt, and his incredible dribbling ability and mesmerising skills made him a must-watch whenever he appeared for QPR.
The 35-year-old is the epitome of the ‘streets won’t forget’ trend, and he was one of the most exciting and dangerous players during the West London outfit’s rise from the Championship to the Premier League in the 2010s.
He scored 19 goals and registered 21 assists in the 2010/11 campaign for QPR, and he was perhaps the main reason behind their promotion, and those in W12 will still be dreaming about his spell with the club to this day.