The end of the 2020/21 Championship seasons looms ever closer, with under a quarter of the season remaining. As teams fight for their respective goals in what is often labelled ‘the business end of the season’. But which players should be in this years team of the season?
Goalkeeper
Goalkeeper- Seny Dieng (QPR)
The QPR goalkeeper has ten clean sheets so far this season, which has earnt him many plaudits as the R’s best performer this term. The 26-year-old has showcased his strong ability at saving close range shots and distribution of the ball. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with many Premier League clubs watching his progress closely.
Defence
Right-back- Connor Roberts (Swansea)
The Welshman has been crucial for the Swans this season, as they maintain their promotion push. The 25-year-old has scored four goals and notched five assists so far this term from the defence. His performances have been earning him high praise in South Wales, as he looks to take those performances into the European Championships.
Centre-back- Grant Hanley (Norwich)
The former Blackburn defender has been a rock at the heart of the Norwich defence. Hanley had suffered from injuries in previous years, but so far this season has played in 32 Championship matches for the Canaries. The Scotsman has completed 165 clearances and 59 interceptions, forging an inseparable partnership alongside Ben Gibson.
Centre-back- Michal Helik (Barnsley)
Helik has been a crucial component in Valerien Ismael’s breathtakingly brilliant Tykes this season. The Polish defender has scored five goals so far, including a crucial one on Saturday against fellow play-off hopefuls Bournemouth. His awareness to read the ball is amongst the best in the division.
Left-back- Omar Richards (Reading)
Omar Richards looks set to join German giants Bayern Munich this summer. The England-U21 international has had an impressive season at Reading, having played 32 games to date. He has been a crucial part of a young Reading team with aspirations of promotion from the Championship.
Midfield
Right midfield- Emi Buendia (Norwich)
The Argentinian midfielder has been the architect behind why Norwich currently sit top of the Championship. His ability to drift past players is simply mesmerising. Furthermore, he has scored 10 goals and notched 12 assists in 30 matches. The playmaker has a superb relationship with Teemu Pukki, so Norwich will hope he remains at Carrow Road next season.
Central midfield- Alex Mowatt (Barnsley)
The 26-year-old has been superb all season for Barnsley, with his Championship pedigree shining throughout. He has contributed six goals and seven assists, which includes assisting the winner away at Bournemouth last time out. His performances have earnt him high praise from journalists and pundits.
Central midfield- Nick Powell (Stoke)
Powell has been one of the most underrated players in the league this season. Often preferred in an attacking midfield position, Powell has scored 11 goals and collected two assists this campaign. In a season of highs and lows for Stoke, he has been a shining light.
Right midfield- Michael Olise (Reading)
The 19-year-old wonderkid is having his breakthrough season in-style. The man with the number seven shirt has scored five goals and assisted nine times so far. It is evident why he is attracting Premier League interest. He has all the attributes of a future international star.
Strikers
Striker- Ivan Toney (Brentford)
Toney is the current top-scorer in the Championship with 26 goals to his name. Toney has stepped-up to the league above like a duck to water. His natural goal-scoring ability, instinctive finishing, and calm presence has been highly praised. If Brentford fail to get promoted, it is inevitable that Premier League clubs will come calling.
Striker- Teemu Pukki (Norwich)
The Finnish striker has now scored 50 Championship goals in 75 matches, of which 21 have come this season. His ability to run-in behind and link with Buendia are exemplary. He is set for another chance to prove his worth in the Premier League next season, but not before going to the Euros with Finland.
Championship Manager of the Season
For why Valerien Ismael should be Championship Manager of the season, then follow the link below. Furthermore, for some more honorable player mentions, then follow the link below to a previous article:
Valerien Ismael has Barnsley dreaming of the Premier League | WDSportz
Three Championship stars who should be Premier League bound this summer | WDSportz
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