Grealish stars as big names miss out on Championship team of the season
As the announce their Championship team of the season, we at WhoScored.com unveil our highest rated XI of the campaign, with some big names missing out on a place in the side.
Unsurprisingly Norwich, Sheffield United, Leeds and in-form Aston Villa are all represented, but there are also spots in the lineup for those that have impressed lower down the league.
Goalkeeper: Jack Butland (Stoke) - 6.74 rating
After a relatively unconvincing start to life back in the Championship, Butland has shown his class at this level, amassing 17 clean sheets this season. No keeper has kept more in a row this season (six matches) and only three to have made 20 or more appearances boast a greater save success rate (71.2 per cent).
Right-back: Reece James (Wigan) - 7.10 rating
Chelsea loanee James has made a big impact at the DW Stadium, playing a pivotal role in the Latics push for survival at both ends. His delivery from wide areas has been superb, with no defender having created more chances than the 19-year-old (73), weighing in with three goals, three assists and 2.1 tackles per 90 minutes.
Centre-back: Adam Webster (Bristol City) - 7.30 rating
A summer arrival from Ipswich, Webster has filled the void left by Aden Flint’s departure in impressive fashion to help push the Robins towards a play-off finish. The 24-year-old has won the most aerial duels (263) of all centre-backs in the league at an excellent 71.7 per cent success rate and produced the most interceptions (88) of any player in his position.
Centre-back: Liam Cooper (Leeds) - 7.34 rating
Cooper has played a captain’s role all season for the Whites and the fact that he was appointed to that role by his teammates speaks volumes of his worth to the side. The Scot’s absence on ten occasions has led to the side conceding markedly more goals (1.5 up from 0.91 per game when he has started), with only Webster making more interceptions of all centre-backs (83).
Left-back: Enda Stevens (Sheffield United) - 7.24 rating
Operating from the left of the Blades’ formation in a wing-back role, Stevens’ ability to have an impact with and without the ball has been invaluable. The Ireland international has hit a purple patch in front of goal to score three goals in his last four appearances, in addition to six assists for the season, and has made more tackles than any other full/wing-back in the league (110).
Right wing: Emiliano Buendia (Norwich) - 7.38 rating
A worthy candidate for signing of the season, Buendia’s development at Norwich has thrust the Canaries to the top of the table. As well as weighing in with eight goals and 11 assists - despite starting just 33 of 36 appearances - the Argentine has created 2.8 chances per 90 minutes, all while producing a superb 3 tackles per 90 minutes as Daniel Farke’s side bid to win possession high up the pitch.
Centre midfield: Oliver Norwood (Sheffield United) - 7.40 rating
Another nominee for the best acquisition in the league, Norwood’s experience of a promotion push and composure in possession looks to have seen him secure a third consecutive Championship promotion. The Northern Irishman’s ability over a dead ball has helped contribute to tallies of three goals and eight assists, while he has averaged the most passes per game in the division (70.2) and chipped in with 2.3 tackles on average too.
Centre midfield: Jack Grealish (Aston Villa) - 7.47 rating
The turnaround after a disappointing start to the season since Dean Smith’s arrival at Villa Park has been an outstanding one from Grealish, who has had a hand in 11 goals (six goals, five assists) in his last 15 appearances. The playmaker’s return from injury in March has sparked a run of ten consecutive victories, with the 23-year-old skippering the side in that time, ranking among the top five players in the league for key passes (2.4) and dribbles (1.7) per game, whilst being fouled 36 more times (142) than any other player.
Left wing: Joe Lolley (Nottingham Forest) - 7.36 rating
Forest winger Lolley became only the fourth player to register double figures for both goals (ten) and assists (11) at the weekend and his confidence on the ball has been clear to see all season. An average of 3.4 shots per 90 is among the highest of all wide men in the league, while ranking third for successful dribbles per 90 (2.7) to boot.
Centre forward: Lukas Jutkiewicz (Birmingham) - 7.74 rating
The definition of a handful for defenders, Jutkiewicz’s importance to the Blues cannot be overstated this season. Along with Lolley he is one of said four players to reach double figures for goals (13) and assists (10), linking up superbly with strike partner Che Adams - assisting his teammate five times - and winning 560 aerials duels, which is over 200 more than any other player.
Centre forward: Tammy Abraham (Aston Villa) - 7.32 rating
Picking up a shoulder injury recently that looks set to end his hopes of picking up the Golden Boot, Abraham has improved on the 23 goals he scored on loan at Bristol City to take his tally to 25 at Villa. The second Chelsea loanee to make the side might not want to leave Villa Park given that a remarkable 19 of his goals have come in just 18 appearances at home - with his total all the more impressive considering he missed the first month of the season having only signed on deadline day.
