Championship
From the defensive selections one thing we can immediately see is that Brighton clearly boast a solid defensive record in the Championship, with the inclusion of goalkeeper David Stockdale and centre back Lewis Dunk. In my opinion, these two selections are very justifiable and good selections for the team. Only Newcastle have conceded less goals (32) in the league than Brighton this season (33). As for the other defenders, Pontus Jansson of Leeds has been a key part of their success story this season. Having the third best defence in the league this season (36 goals conceded) Jansson has clearly been a key member of the squad and fully deserves his place in this side. At right back there is Huddersfield Town's Tommy Smith. The success story at Huddersfield this season has been incredible, last season finishing 19th in the league on 51 points, they have already surpassed that total this season with 9 games to go, picking up a huge 71 points and sitting in third place in the league. Smith's inclusion in this team is justifiable as not many right backs in the championship seem to have made a major impact in the league, however his position could potentially have come under threat by the likes of Vurnon Anita of Newcastle. Although I may seem to be doubting his place in this team, Smith does have a very impressive 9 assists in the Championship this year. The inclusion of left back Scott Malone is again another which does not come of much surprise as Fulham have transformed themselves after finishing 20th last season, they currently sit 7th in the Championship. Malone has scored a respectable 4 league goals from left back this season for Fulham, not bad considering he came on a free transfer in the summer in a swap deal for right back Jazz Richards, from Cardiff. Although, Malone has been a huge part of Fulham's success this season his performance's go unnoticed, he is not a very commonly heard of player. Having said that, perhaps this make his inclusion in the team even better as the league have identified that he does not get the praise he deserves.
Into the midfield and these selections are slightly questionable but also understandable Anthony Knockaert and Jonjo Shelvey are both worth their place in this team in my opinion. They are both key players in their teams both having 7 assists in the league and each popping up with a few goals as well, Knockaert especially on 13 league goals. However, I'm sure when many Aston Villa and Fulham fans took first glances at the team they were probably in disbelief at the inclusion of Aaron Mooy of Huddersfield. This is because Conor Hourihane of Villa has the most assists in the league (13), 8 more than Mooy and furthermore 7 goals in the league as well, 4 more than Mooy, although some of these factors did come at Barnsley earlier in the season. On the other hand, Fulham fans may be scratching their head as to why Tom Cairney has not been selected for the team with 10 assists and 9 goals after a big money move from Blackburn in the summer. In my honest opinion I cannot see how these two players have been overlooked ahead of Mooy. However, this is my only real complaint about this team selection.
Finally, onto the forwards. I don't think this selection could really have been made easier for the selectors. The three players picked are currently three of the four top scorers in the league right now. Chris Wood has been the key to Leeds' success this season scoring an astounding 24 league goals this season, only bettered by Billy Sharp of Sheffield United (26) in League One. Not far behind him is Dwight Gayle of Newcastle who has scored 21 goals this season for Newcastle after joining from Crystal Palace in the summer. Gayle's performances and goals have led Newcastle to the top of the league and he fully deserves his place in the team. The final inclusion in the team is the league's fourth highest goal scorer Glenn Murray of Brighton. Given that he has been involved in 21 goals this season, it is hard to leave him out of the team, and he does deserve his place in the team. His goals have been vital to leading Brighton up to second in the Championship and look set for promotion. Bristol City supporters may argue with his selection however, Tammy Abraham has scored 19 goals, one more than Murray, this season. However, given City's position in the league (19th, 1 point above relegation) it is clear to see why Murray has been favoured. On the other hand, some fans may argue that Abraham's goals have kept City in the league, without him they would be sunk in the league, languishing at the bottom with Rotherham. Overall, I think the forwards have been well selected much like the defence.
That is my opinion of the Championship Team Of The Season. Stay posted as in the next two days I will be giving my thoughts on the League One and Two teams. As always please leave any suggestions on topics you would like me to cover, whether it be the Championship race for promotion at the very top of the EFL, or Leyton Orient and Newport County attempting the great escape at the bottom of League Two! Feel free to leave suggestions in the comments or leave it on my Twiter @EFLBenAdshead and please spread the word and retweet so that the EFL gets a voice! Be sure to read tomorrows blog on the League One Team Of The Season and give football its voice!
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