EFL Player to Watch: Luke Molyneux

"I want to stay for as long as I can and hopefully become a legend here."

Those were the words of Luke Molyneux, who opted to pledge his long-term future to Doncaster Rovers at the end of last season, despite a plethora of interest from League Two rivals and clubs in a higher division.

Rewind to February and Grant McCann's outfit were loitering perilously close to relegation before embarking on a sensational 10-match winning streak, resulting in the South Yorkshire club achieving a play-off berth.

Rovers ultimately ran out of steam as their promotion dream evaporated at the hands of Crewe Alexandra, relinquishing a two-goal first leg advantage.

Despite the setback, the mood inside the Keepmoat Stadium is one of immense optimism and the news of Molyneux's commitment is a huge indicator of the club's ambitions.

After all, Molyneux was an instrumental figure in Doncaster's phenomenal surge up the League Two standings and the winger has continued to showcase his immense ability in the new campaign, returning four goals and two assists in a convincing start from McCann's side.

Luke Molyneux 2024/25 statistics

Metric	Total	League Two Rank
Shots	12	5th
Goals	4	1st
Assists	2	4th=
Accurate Crosses	5	15th=
Attempted Dribbles	16	7th=
Big Chances Created	4	1st=
xG Differential	2.73	1st

*Statistics obtained by FBref.com and FotMob.com, correct as of 06/09/2024

Molyneux's versatility has made him a dependable figure throughout his career, with the 26-year-old utilised in an array of positions from right-back to left-back and centre forward to central midfielder.

But with a taper skin fade and socks sitting low around his shins, Molyneux has the appearance of a menacing, enterprising winger. If one thing is for certain, he's got the game to support the look.

His best work has been manufactured from the right flank, and Doncaster have benefited from the former Hartlepool United man being awarded a primary creative role under McCann.

A popular selection on EFL Fantasy, Molyneux loves to engage defenders in one-on-one situations, endeavouring forward with a direct style and beating the opponent through either his intricate control or rapid acceleration; Molyneux's speed is a valuable outlet when Doncaster look to transition quickly or play a long ball over the top.

Strong on both feet, he varies between exploring down the touchline or cutting inside, where he can either pick out a teammate with a pass or unleash a venomous shot.

As demonstrated by his aforementioned xG differential, Molyneux is a ruthlessly efficient finisher but his productivity is aided by his intelligent movement in the opposition third.

In Doncaster's opening fixture against Accrington Stanley, the first goal was the result of Molyneux's ability to anticipate the space in the penalty area.

By holding his position, he went untraced on the penalty spot and when Jamie Sterry played it into his path, Molyneux oozed composure with a first-time finish into the far corner.

His second goal against Accrington is quite frankly outrageous and is a perfect example of how opposition can ill-afford to give him time and space, even if it's 30-yards from goal.

A composed finish with his right foot, a thunderbolt with his left; Molyneux's range of finishing is a dangerous asset for McCann.

Mols (Molyneux) has been tremendous since I’ve been here - not just with what he does on the football pitch. He trains well, he’s a good person to have around the place.

Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann (BBC Sport)

League Two's leading goalscorer has provided two assists so far this term, which scratches the surface of his creative input.

No player in the division has fashioned more big chances this term and Molyneux ranks highly for attempted crosses, keen to provide a service for veteran forward Billy Sharp, Jordan Gibson and Harry Clifton.

His selflessness was evident in Doncaster's triumph over Port Vale. Pouncing on the rebound following Connor Ripley's save, Molyneux instinctively played the ball across to an unmarked Sharp as opposed to attempting a shot on goal.

It doesn't matter whether it's a goal or assist, Molyneux is content for as long as he's contributing to victories.

League leaders Gillingham are up next and the Gills fell victim to an emphatic Molyneux strike last term. The form that he's in, the winger will be a difficult proposition to contain.

Luke Molyneux odds v Gillingham

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