EFL Stories: International Flair and Championship Dreams

Ben Brereton Diaz, the Stoke-on-Trent native, has become a superstar in Chile, earning 42 caps and scoring 10 goals since his call-up in 2021. 'Every time I go there, I really enjoy it,' the Derby forward said. 'The support we got over there is amazing.' Brereton Diaz's journey began when a group of fans noticed his Chilean heritage on Football Manager, and he has since become an integral part of the team. Despite Chile's failure to qualify for the last two World Cups, Brereton Diaz remains optimistic about the team's future, citing the emergence of young talent. 'We've got a lot of young talent coming through,' he added. 'Now we're just building that, and it's looking really good for the future.' Meanwhile, Terry Devlin has been a standout player for Portsmouth, using his versatility as a right-back or right wing-back to make a significant impact. 'There have been ups and downs for the team, but on a personal note I've really been enjoying it,' Devlin said. 'It's my first real season playing consistent minutes, so that's been a big positive.' Devlin credits his hard work and professionalism for his success, emphasizing the importance of consistency in his performances. 'It really comes down to consistency,' he said. 'Day in, day out, I've been doing the same things as I did last year and the year before. Over time, that consistency starts to show in your performances.' Jamal Lewis, who made a surprise move to Sao Paulo in Brazil, reflects on his brief but memorable experience. 'It was a great opportunity to showcase myself in a different market,' Lewis said. 'And to see a different culture, the country, the people, and the league itself, it was an amazing experience.' Although his time in Brazil was cut short due to injury, Lewis hopes to revisit the country in the future. Imran Louza, Watford's captain and leader, has worn the armband for most of the season, inheriting the role from Moussa Sissoko. 'It takes time to be a captain,' Louza said. 'If I was in France, it would be easier for me to talk with players, but now, after five years here, I try to be behind the guys.' Louza leads by example on the pitch, but is also learning to communicate more effectively with his teammates. Steven Nzonzi, a World Cup winner with France in 2018, recalls the finest day of his career. 'It was a lot of pressure,' he said, remembering the moment he replaced N'Golo Kante in the final. 'But you're just so focused and so locked in, it's like everything else fades away.' Nzonzi's experience of winning the World Cup has left an indelible mark on his career, with memories that he will cherish for a lifetime.