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Here's three League of Ireland players that could be making the move to England in the near future

THE LEAGUE OF IRELAND has often been seen as a stepping-stone league for many young footballers in Ireland.

Despite the lack of investment, dwindling crowd numbers and support for the league, the league has produced several gems that have gone onto to become fully fledged stars in England.

Some of these so-called superstars include the likes of Manchester United legend Roy Keane (Cobh Ramblers), Everton's Seamus Coleman (Sligo Rovers), Gavin Bazunu (Shamrock Rovers), and many others.

Many hopefuls at League of Ireland clubs hold the belief that they could become the next big Irish import despite it becoming increasingly difficult as time goes on.

Here are three players who have shined for their clubs this season, who could make the big move to England soon

The list is a data-driven list compiled by Delphlyx

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Seamus Coleman of Everton celebrates. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

Lewis Macari, 20, Dundalk (centreback)

Macari is a key figure for his team when they're in possession. With 7.59 successful progressive passes p90, he's trusted to play an important role in possession for Dundalk.

His passing is utilised more than his crossing when the team has the ball, with 0.9 successful crosses per game around average, while 0.48 successful key pass p90 is above average for his position.

As an individual defender, he's better than most. He wins 22.88% of his defensive duels and is dribbled past 1.35 times p90, while his relatively low number of interceptions per game (3.94) tells us that he tends to defend in a more conservative manner.

💬 "I’ve loved playing at Oriel. It’ll be a little bit sad as it’s my last game here but hopefully I can help us finish off with a win."

🏁 Lewis Macari hopes to wave goodbye to Casey’s Field on Friday night with a win against Bohemians.https://t.co/YCnvb2FO4N

— Dundalk FC (@DundalkFC) October 27, 2022

Max Mata, 22, Sligo Rovers (striker)

Max Mata has had an impressive season in the LOI thanks to his ability to contribute in all phases of play.

He's both a goal threat himself, and a creative presence, as shown by his ability to put up an average of 0.32 xG and 0.12 xA per game.

His goal conversion rate, just under 20%, has seen him stand out from his peers in attack.

With 1.99 opponent half recoveries p90, he's a real menace when his team don't have the ball, and he's able to regularly turn over possession in dangerous areas.

He wins just under 3 aerial duels per game, acting as a focal point for his side as they look to play up the pitch. He manages 11.78 received passes p90, while also converting 3.38 touches in box to 0.97 shots on target per game.

Wehrly Bros/Sligo Rovers Young Player of The Year for 2022 👉 Max Mata

The New Zealander has settled into life in Sligo well this year scoring 9 times and made a good contribution throughout the season

Well done, Max. #bitored pic.twitter.com/ilRA25F2Nf

— Sligo Rovers (@sligorovers) October 28, 2022

Niall Morahan, 22, Sligo Rovers (centre mid)

Morahan has been a vital presence in the Sligo Rovers midfield this season. Averaging 5.32 interceptions and 12.22 ball recoveries per game, he's a massively important figure. He screens the defence well, and offers aggressive ball winning in midfield.

Although he's rarely a presence in the attacking third, but he offers his team a lot when on the ball too.

Averaging over 43 passes per game, his passing from deep is important to getting his team up the pitch.With an average of 5.37 successful progressive passes and 5.32 successful passes to final third, it's easy to see how important his distribution from deep is, as he plays a key role in supplying the side's attackers.

He's successful with a third of his attempted through passes, indicating that he's able to find teammates attacking space when the situation arises.