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Opinion

The best EFL veterans in 2025/26 includes the iconic Barry Bannan and Premier League winner

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It’s already been an incredibly exciting start to the new EFL season.

While the Championship has paused for the first international break of the campaign, League One and League Two are throwing up some excellent games for us this weekend.

Here at EFL Analysis, we’ve already taken a look at the best wonderkids in the Championship, and now we’ve picked out five of the best EFL veterans.

The five best veterans in the EFL

Albert Adomah

Albert Adomah’s incredible celebration for Walsall against Shrewsbury Town in the Vertu Trophy at the start of September truly captured the eye of EFL supporters.

Albert Adomah of Walsall looks on during the Pre-Season Friendly between Walsall and Aston Villa
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images

Nevertheless, he is more than just a dancer on the pitch, with the winger notching up over 200 goal contributions in his senior career in just over 750 matches.

Now playing in League Two, the former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough ace is still proving his worth at 37.

Ashley Young

Who better to start with than the most decorated player on this list? Ashley Young is a Premier League winner, a Serie A winner as well as an FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Europa League champion. Now, he plays his football for Ipswich Town.

Ashley Young for Everton FC against Fulham FC in Premier League
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

At 40, the right-back is at the very end of his career, but his experience will be crucial for the Tractor Boys and with his son Tyler Young now in Suffolk, we could see the very first father-son partnership in the EFL.

Barry Bannan

Barry Bannan signed a new deal at Sheffield Wednesday earlier this summer, as the Owls continue to battle severe financial problems that stem from their owner, Dejphon Chansiri.

Barry Bannan of Sheffield Wednesday looks on in the EFL Championship
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images

The 35-year-old has played over 450 times for the South Yorkshire outfit since joining from Crystal Palace in 2015, and he has become somewhat of a modern-day legend.

Sheffield Wednesday have needed his leadership throughout this campaign, and he will be doing all he can to lead the team through a difficult period.

Billy Sharp

Billy Sharp is one of the greatest goalscorers to have ever featured in the EFL, and at the age of 39, he is continuing to show everyone why he has been so highly sought-after throughout his career.

Billy Sharp of Doncaster Rovers inspects the pitch prior to the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Hull City and Doncaster Rovers
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

The former Sheffield United striker is currently playing his football for Doncaster Rovers, helping Donny to promotion to League One with nine goals in 2024/25.

With over 280 goals in 775 appearances, there is no doubt about Sharp’s quality, and he can still be a huge threat in the final third.

David McGoldrick

David McGoldrick might be the signing of the season in League One, with Conor Hourihane reuniting with one of the ‘GOATs’ of the EFL at Barnsley this season.

David McGoldrick of Notts County celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 2-0 during the Sky Bet EFL League 2 match between Notts County and Accrington Stanley
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

McGoldrick is timeless, and just like a fine wine, he has got better and better with age. His time with Derby County in 2022/23 was perhaps his best work, and the Rams got everything and more out of the forward.

The 37-year-old is arguably the most eye-catching veteran on this list, and he is truly one to watch for those who love the EFL.