Ben Brereton-Diaz, the forward who grew up in Stoke-on-Trent, often finds himself pausing to appreciate the surreal fact that he is celebrated as a star in a South American country. Since a grassroots social‑media push in 2021—where fans, after spotting his Chilean eligibility on Football Manager, urged the national team to give him a chance—Ben has earned 42 caps for Chile and found the net ten times. "Every time I step onto the pitch for La Roja I feel an incredible rush," the Derby County striker explains. "The support from the fans is overwhelming, and it still feels a bit like a dream when I hear the chants." He continues, "When I first received the call‑up it was a whirlwind.
The love and enthusiasm from the supporters were beyond anything I expected. Scoring goals and playing regularly has been a massive honour. I’m proud to make my family—both in Chile and back in England—feel proud.
It’s a wonderful experience that I’m grateful for every time I get the shirt." Although Chile missed out on the last two World Cups, Brereton‑Diaz remains optimistic about the nation’s rebuilding process. "Missing out on the tournament was heartbreaking, but it fuels our determination," he says.
"We have a wave of young talent coming through, and we’re laying the foundations for a side that can return to the biggest stage in the future." In the Championship, Portsmouth have endured a tough campaign, yet 22‑year‑old Northern Irish right‑back Terry Devlin has turned it into a personal breakthrough. Deployed both as a traditional right‑back and a more advanced wing‑back, Devlin says, "The season has had its highs and lows for the club, but for me it’s been about consistency and growth.
This is my first year playing week‑in, week‑out, and that regular game time has been invaluable. I hope to finish the season strongly and help the team climb the table." He attributes his progress to disciplined habits, noting, "Success comes from doing the same hard work day after day.
I’ve stuck to the routines that helped me develop over the past two seasons, and gradually those habits translate into better performances. Learning from the senior players and refining my game is the next step, and I’m committed to staying consistent." Across the Atlantic, English midfielder Jamal Lewis made a surprising move during the 2024 summer window, swapping a loan spell at Watford for a short‑term stint with São Paulo in Brazil after a brief period at Newcastle. "The deal came late in the transfer window, but it felt like a unique chance to test myself in a different football culture," Lewis recalls. "Brazilian football has a global reputation for flair and creativity, and I wanted to experience that first‑hand while immersing myself in a new environment." Unfortunately, his Brazilian adventure was cut short when an injury sustained on international duty forced him back to England after just six appearances.
"I didn’t get to explore much of Brazil beyond travelling to matches," he admits. "São Paulo is a massive city; you can drive for an hour and still be in the same metropolitan area.
I wish I had learned Portuguese, because language would have helped me connect more deeply with teammates and fans. Still, I hope to return someday and see more of the country." Back in England, Watford have appointed 26‑year‑old Imran Louza as club captain, a role he inherited from Moussa Sissoko after the French midfielder’s departure to Panathinaikos. "Leadership doesn’t happen overnight," Louza explains.
"Having spent five years in England, I’ve built relationships with the squad and try to lead by example on the pitch. Respect is mutual; the players trust me, and I respect them in return." He adds that his captaincy is more about actions than words, though he is learning to be more vocal when needed. "I give everything on the field—my energy, my runs, my determination.
Sometimes you have to raise your voice to motivate teammates, especially when the game gets tight. You can’t be nice all the time; you need to be competitive and push for a win." Among the Championship’s veteran presences is former World Cup winner Steven Nzonzi, who still smiles when he recounts the pinnacle of his career: the 2018 final in Moscow. Entering the match in the 55th minute with France leading 2‑1 against Croatia, he replaced none other than N'Golo Kanté. "Coming on for arguably the best player of the tournament was massive pressure," Nzonzi says.
"You have to block out everything else and focus on the task. We went on to score two more goals, and I was just relieved to contribute." He vividly remembers the moment France made it 4‑1 through Kylian Mbappé. "When that fourth goal went in, I looked around at my teammates and thought, ‘This is it.’ Even after the second goal, we knew the result was sealed.
That’s when the reality of being world champions hit us." Nzonzi admits the celebrations afterward were a blur. "We ran to meet the fans, waved the French flag, and I rushed to see my son. I’m not sure if I held the trophy before or after that, but the images of the cup in my hands and the medal around my neck are unforgettable.
Those memories stay with you for a lifetime." The EFL continues to showcase a mix of emerging talent, cross‑continental adventures, and seasoned champions, offering fans a rich tapestry of stories throughout the season.