Top 10 players in the Championship this season
The Championship has been a high-octane competition this term and all the clubs have been through several ups and downs already. We have seen some standout performers this campaign and as the fight to secure top-flight promotion intensifies, here is a look at the top 10 players in the Championship from this season so far.
10. Albert Adomah – Aston Villa
If his head-stand celebration was not impressive enough, Adomah has been a remarkable player for Villa this season. Despite finding himself out of the starting lineup in the initial stages, the 30-year-old soldiered on and grasped every little opportunity to fight his way back into securing a regular starting spot. He has undoubtedly been one of the best players in the league with 13 goals and 3 assists. His blistering pace and crafty skills have made him a nightmarish prospect for even the toughest of defenders.
9. Leo Bonatini – Wolverhampton Wanderers
One might wonder why he is on this list since he has been struggling greatly at present. However, his current inefficient displays cannot undermine the contributions he has made for the Wolves. Ever since he joined the club from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, Bonatini made an instantaneous impact by scoring goals effortlessly on a daily basis. The youngster boasts of immense potential and if he can get past the slump in form, there is no doubt that he will be key to helping the Wolves finish on a strong note.
8. James Maddison – Norwich City
Maddison was targetted by a host of Premier League clubs in the recent January window and that itself goes to show the kind of power he has displayed for the Canaries. The attacking midfielder has started on a regular basis for Norwich this season and he is a typically incisive No. 10. With 9 goals and 5 assists to his name already, Maddison has played a pivotal role for Norwich and his performances have been quite similar to those of Tottenham star Dele Alli’s. If Maddison continues to perform like this, there is no limit to what he can achieve.
7. Ollie Watkins – Brentford
If there ever was a competition for versatility, Watkins would probably be the winner. He has played across a variety of attacking roles for Brentford and has excelled in every single role. The 22-year-old has been in sensational form for the club and his influence has truly been unparalleled. Watkins has notched up 9 goals this season, making him the club’s top-scorer and he has also created a whopping 71 chances for the club so far. Brentford might have struggled this season but Watkins has been their brightest player.
6. Sol Bamba – Cardiff City
Bamba has been rock-solid at the back for Cardiff this season and he has arguably been the best defender in the Championship. He might be 33 years of age but his experience has proven to be vital for the club. The fact that he has scored 3 goals while displaying impeccable defensive skills is truly commendable. To put things into perspective, Bamba makes an average of 2.6 tackles, 2.6 interceptions and a whopping 6.3 clearances per game. These numbers speak for themselves and it comes as no surprise that he has made it to this list.
5. Samuel Saiz – Leeds United
Leeds have been through a rollercoaster of a season this time but one player who stood strong through it all is Samuel Saiz. The summer arrival has been their most consistent performer and he was the only one who impressed even during their dismal run back in November. He is strong when it comes to holding onto the ball and is equally adept at scoring goals and providing assists. Also, the player is known to tackle challenges head-on and that is the kind of attitude Leeds need at the moment.
4. Tom Cairney – Fulham
Cairney is a force to be reckoned with and he is undeniably one of Fulham’s most influential players. Last season, he was an absolute beast in the midfield and he has reprised that same form in the ongoing campaign as well. Adept at dictating the pace of the game and providing a creative outlet, Cairney is the epitome of an ideal midfielder. His passing skills are top-notch and he is skilled enough to play in the top-flight.
3. Diogo Jota – Wolverhampton Wanderers
One might think that it takes time for foreign players to get accustomed to English football but Jota has been a paradox in that sense. He has already scored 12 goals and has played a key role in the Wolves’ good fortunes this season. One of the key players behind their blistering attack, the on-loan star has been a solid presence for the club and there is no doubt that he will continue to be important for them as the season comes to a close.
2. Ryan Sessegnon – Fulham
Sessegnon’s name has graced the lips of a lot of football fans across the world and that is solely due to his spectacular performances. Although he is primarily a left-back, the teenager has impressed vastly due to his attacking prowess. He has been a lethal goal-scorer this season and has fulfilled his defensive duties as well. He has the potential to turn into a superstar in the coming years and with interest stemming from a host of Premier League sides, it will be interesting to see how his career progresses from here on.
1. Ruben Neves – Wolverhampton Wanderers
Neves has been in a class of his own throughout this season. Considering the amount of money Wolves paid for him, it did attach quite a lot of expectations and Neves has managed to live up to them. He can control matches right from the beginning till the end and his goalscoring capabilities and passing accuracy are truly brilliant. He is most certainly destined for a bright future and if he continues this way, he will be a crucial player for the Wolves even if they secure a promotion to the top-flight.