Team of the 2018/19 Championship season so far

As we reach the quarter way point in the Championship season it is already clear which sides will be challenging for a coveted place in the Premier League come May.

Despite Stoke being predicted as many people’s pre-season favourites, it has not transpired that way.

The Championship is proving to be as unpredictable as ever with some players shining through where perhaps they would not have been expected to.

With that in mind here is Squawka’s Championship Team of the Season so far:

GK: Eriwn Mulder (Swansea)

Swansea have played a very open style of football this season which has led them to be vulnerable on the counter attack. At times they have relied on their big Dutch stopper to bail them out and he has not let them down yet with five clean sheets to his name.

Key stat: Mulder has made six saves for every goal he has conceded

RB: Luke Ayling (Leeds United)

Luke Ayling has played a pivotal role in Macelo Bielsa’s Leeds outfit this season. It is imperative that Ayling covers a massive amount of ground throughout the game and he has done that impeccably this season for the Whites become a key figure in the side.

CB: Daniel Ayala (Middlesbrough)

Middlesbrough have been very solid this season under Tony Pulis and Daniel Ayala has been a key presence at the back. Boro have conceded only six in goals in their opening 12 games and the former Liverpool man has used every ounce of his experience to make his side hard to breakdown.

Key stat: Ayala has made more clearances per game (7.5) than any other Middlesbrough player this season.

CB: John Egan (Sheffiled United)

United’s record signing has lived up to billing so far. He has been a massive defensive presence, fully justifying the transfer outlay and faith placed in him by Chris Wilder. A massive part of the reason why the Blades sit top of the Championship.

Key stat: Only Jack O’Connell has won more aerial duels per game for Sheffield United than John Egan (3.8)

LB: Barry Douglas (Leeds United)

Seen as a transfer coup when he was signed in the summer, Barry Douglas has lived up to expectations. After helping Wolves win the Championship the skilful full-back has slotted into the Bielsa system seamlessly. His contribution, much like Luke Ayling on the other flank, is a big part of the Leeds success story so far this season.

CM: Oliver Norwood (Sheffield United)

Oliver Norwood has lit up the Championship in the first quarter of the season. His ability on the ball and tenacity has led to many questioning Brighton’s wisdom at letting him out on loan. If he continues in the same vein we could well be looking at a contender for player of the season.

Key stat: Oliver Norwood has made more key passes per game (3.8) than any other player in the Championship this season.

CM: Bradely Dack (Blackburn)

After helping Blackburn storm to promotion in League One he has made the jump up a level look easy. His runs from midfields have helped Blackburn to a comfortable top half placing after 12 games. It could be another huge season for the former Gillingham man.

Key stat: Bradley Dack has scored more goals from midfield (6) than any other player in the Championship this season.

CM: Mason Mount (Derby County)

Mason Mount joined Derby with high expectations after an excellent season in Holland with Vitesse and he has not disappointed thus far. His ability on the ball has been the standout attribute of Frank Lampard’s Derby side this season which has seen him getting the plaudits he deserves.

Key stat: Mason Mount has created the most chances (28) in the Championship this season.

FW: Harvey Barnes (West Brom)

 

Too good for the Championship. This statement is fact. Harvey Barnes has bossed the second tier and been one of, if not the, stand out talent this season. On loan from Leicester many people may not have heard about Barnes before this season. Well they do now.

Key stat: Harvey Barnes has had more shot per game (3.3) than any other West Brom player.

FW: Dwight Gayle (West Brom)

 

Every time Dwight Gayle plays in the Championship he makes it look easy and he has done so again this season. Scoring for fun and helping the Baggies fly up the table when many thought they would struggle. Darren Moore has instilled a refreshing attacking verve considering the abject forward play from last season and Gayle is at the centre of it.

Key stat: Dwight Gayle (32%) has the highest chance conversion rate of any player to score over three goals in the Championship this season (8 goals overall)

FW: Neal Maupay (Brentford)

In Neal Maupay Brentford have the most prolific player in the second tier. The West London club have won over many doubters following the introduction of a “Money Ball” style recruitment system but Maupay is just one example of how it is paying off for the Bees.

Key stat: Neal Maupay has scored the most goals in the division this season (10)

The post Team of the 2018/19 Championship season so far appeared first on Squawka News.

From Squawka NewsSquawka News https://ift.tt/2E76hHl