Blackburn – Aynsley Pears
Blackburn have struggled for consistency this season, leading to their downfall, but have had some standout performers. One of which is the English goalkeeper Aynsley Pears, who has a save percentage of 73% this season and has achieved 13 clean sheets. While this data isn’t eye-opening (yet still pretty good), Pears has been a standout in a struggling Blackburn side this season, saving his side on multiple occasions. The 26 year old even attracted interest from Manchester United in the January transfer window, acting as evidence of his amazing qualities. However, Pears and Blackburn have struggled with consistency this season as at one point they were as high up as 5th but have now depleted to 12th. Blackburn have struggled financially and sparked controversy when their manager John Eustace opted to join relegation-bound Derby rather than remain with his side competing for Premier league football, signifying the ongoing issues the club has.
Bristol City – Anis Mehmeti
In what has been one of Bristol City’s best seasons in a long time, the side have had multiple individuals clearly under the limelight. One of which is Anis Mehmeti who is an Albanian winger for Bristol City. Mehmeti has 12 goals and 1 assist to his name this season. The winger specialises in being exceptionally skilful along with his ability to score goals. Most notably, Mehmeti scored a brace against Portsmouth in a 3-0 win. Mehmeti and his club (Bristol City) are striving towards the playoffs and are sat 5th in the league on 63 points. Alike to multiple clubs, the robins are far from confirmation of a place in the playoffs and they must continue to battle until the end of the season. Mehmeti has attracted interest across the Premier league and Championship as a result of his exceptional form, making it hard for the club to retain him beyond this season.
Burnley – James Trafford
Burnley were always predicted to excel this season however their defensive record is exceptional. Because of this and his spectacular save percentage (86%) I have selected James Trafford as Burnley’s most influential player. The Clarets have only conceded an impressive 12 goals this season with the Englishman between the sticks. This sensational record has also resulted in Trafford achieving 28 clean sheets this season. As a result of his impressive campaign, James Trafford has gained interest from Manchester United and Newcastle United. Therefore, it will be very hard for the club to keep him beyond this season. Burnley as expected have the best defensive record in the entire league and are sat tied 1st in the league with Leeds. The battle for automatic promotion is still majorly close with there only being a 2 point gap between 2nd and 3rd, making automatic promotion all to play for.
Cardiff – Callum Robinson
Cardiff have struggled this season and are currently at the top of the relegation zone, on 42 points. Like many underperforming sides this season, it makes it increasingly difficult to highlight great players but it’s no lie that Callum Robinson has been great. The Irish striker is currently tied 5th top goal scorer on an impressive 12 goals. Also considering his 1 assist, this means that Robinson is directly involved in 29% of his side’s goals. The fact he has only played 1974 minutes this season is eye-opening especially considering the quantity of goal contributions he’s provided. Callum Robinson has been essential to Cardiff’s battle for survival and much credit if they do survive should be directed his way.
Coventry – Haji Wright
Frank Lampard has revolutionised Coventry and their 24/25 campaign. In what was a lacklustre start, the club are now in contention for playoffs and have many key players, one of which is Haji Wright, a quality goal scorer. The American striker is 27 years of age and has 11 goals and 1 assist across 22 matches. As noticeable from the appearances statistic, Haji Wright has been absent often this season as a result of his injury woes. There are various honourable mentions to the success of Coventry this season especially Jack Rudoni and Ephron Mason-Clark who create an attacking spark in the side. Despite this, Haji Wright’s impact on the sky blues’ season is second-to-none and his exceptional ability to score goals when it matters has majorly boosted the club’s push for playoffs this season. The side are currently 6th on 62 points and are a clear contender in the battle for playoffs and promotion to the Premier league.
Derby – Ebou Adams
Derby are directly in the battle for survival sat on 42 points. The side recently appointed manager John Eustace from Blackburn who has rescued multiple wins and placed them into a much better position than they were in at December as they were very much relegation bound. Many players have been great for Derby this season, especially David Ozoh (now injured) and Nathaniel Phillips. However, I’ve labelled Ebou Adams as their best player this season. Adams is a Gambian midfielder who is 29 years of age. He has 5 goals to his name this season and has been crucial for Derby and their success. He is strong and has a great passing range which has only benefitted Derby and their climb towards safety.
Hull – Steven Alzate
Hull have underwhelmed this season. After being predicted a high finish by most, the tigers are sat 19th with 5 matches left to play. The side are only a worrying 2 points ahead of safety and have to battle it out until the end of the season. As a result of their lack of success, it’s much harder to pick a ‘best player’ but I’ve gone for the Colombian Steven Alzate. The midfielder has controlled the side’s midfield to the best of his ability this season and is a big asset to the side. Despite only having 1 assist this season, the midfielder has mainly featured in a defensive role, often intercepting the ball and playing optimistic passes. Alzate is an exceptional player and at his quality may not be at Hull city beyond next season.
Leeds – Daniel James
Leeds are the top goal scorers across the league and therefore have multiple influential players who played pivotal roles regarding their success. I have selected Daniel James as their biggest asset due to his attacking presence and positive influence on the team as a whole. The 27 year old has 12 goals and 9 assists to his name this season, solidifying his name on the team sheet. Daniel James is a player who excites the fans with his blistering pace and technical ability. The winger has scored several spectacular goals throughout the season making a difference from out wide. Most notably, Daniel James scored a brace against Watford in a 4-0 win on the 11th of February. Now, the Welshman’s focus is on regaining promotion with the whites as he plays a pivotal part in the team.
Luton – Alfie Doughty
Luton’s downfall has most definitely been the shock of the season, having been relegated from the Premier League and now at risk of relegation to League One. The London based club have struggled this campaign with multiple key players underperforming, however, I believe Alfie Doughty has kept his performances at a great standard. The English defender is very creative, with great set pieces and attacking capabilities. In regard to goal contributions, the left-sided defender has 1 goal and 4 assists this season along with an average match rating of 7.2. Doughty caught interest from multiple Premier league sides at the start of the season and especially if the side go down, it’ll be near impossible to keep a player of his quality at the club.
Middlesbrough – Finn Azaz
Middlesbrough are a risk-taking attacking side where certain individuals have become pivotal in their success. One of which is Finn Azaz, an Irish midfielder who offers a lot of creativity and spark on the ball for the Reds. The attacking minded midfielder has scored a staggering 10 goals along with 11 assists this season, achieving an impressive 21 G/A. The midfielder is one of the better across the entire league and is solidifying his place in the Irish national team too courtesy of his qualities. Middlesbrough are aiming for the playoffs and are currently 7th on 60 points. The side are impressive especially in an attacking sense where Azaz is very much accountable for their success, as shown by the fact he’s involved in 34% of their goals.
Millwall – Japhet Tanganga
Millwall are a side who have been stuck in the Championship for quite some time however this season have stood out more often than usual. The side has majorly improved, especially in a defensive sense as to why Japhet Tanganga is their standout player this season. Tanganga is a 26 year old defender who has a ‘no-nonsense’ playstyle often restricting the amount of attacking passages his side faces. Tanganga is strong and quick and overall an amazing defender, even recording a lot of Premier league experience from his period at Tottenham. The centre back has an impressive 13 clean sheets to his name this season along with 2 goals. His side Millwall are currently 5 points away from playoffs, making it a difficult task regarding achieving them however they technically are still contenders.
Norwich – Joshua Sargent
It’s no secret that Norwich have one of the better attacks in the entire league. Along with the Spanish sensation known as Borja Sainz (the top goal scorer), Norwich also have Josh Sargent. The 25 year old American has standout goalscoring abilities, having scored 14 goals with 5 assists this season. Like many, Sargent has struggled with injuries this season, having only featured 27 times (only making his goalscoring record more impressive). Sargent is arguably more influential than Borja Sainz to Norwich due to his superb link-up play and overall what he brings to the rest of the team. As mentioned, Norwich have one of the better attacks across the league. Despite this, their struggles are ongoing, settled at 11th on 53 points with little to no chance of playoffs this season. As a result, it’s going to be very difficult for the Canaries to keep their key players beyond this season.
Oxford – Ciaron Brown
Oxford have surpassed expectations this season, being on 45 points with 5 matches left to play. The side are far from safe from relegation but have had a decent season with multiple standout players. One of which is centre back Ciaron Brown. The Northern Irish defender has entirely stepped up his game this season, becoming solid courtesy of his exceptional strength and 1 on 1 defending. The defender even has 4 goals and 3 assists this season, not to mention his average match rating of a 7.1. Ciaron Brown and his Oxford side need to focus on survival as it’s far from guaranteed but Brown is an excellent defender who will surely cause a lot of interest due to his great performances throughout the season.
Plymouth – Ryan Hardie
Plymouth are currently 24th in the league with a 5 point mountain to climb for a chance of survival. The team have conceded a shocking 81 goals this season but have a decent goal scoring return of 42 goals. Because of this, I have selected Ryan Hardie as their best player this season. The Scotsman has 8 goals and 3 assists this season and has the hearts of all Argyle fans. Plymouth notably had a spectacular FA cup run where they surpassed Liverpool, because of a Ryan Hardie goal. Hardie is quick and a natural goal scorer who consistently scores the chances he’s provided. Unfortunately for Argyle fans, there will be question marks to his commitment next season however he’s been at the side for 6 years straight so nothing’s impossible.
Portsmouth – Josh Murphy
On their return to the Championship, Portsmouth have had a decent season. Sat on 45 points, the side aren’t exactly safe from a return to League One but are more comfortable than others. Pompey have had multiple players who’ve been pivotal regarding their success, however, I’ve selected winger Josh Murphy as their best. Josh Murphy is a 30 year old English left winger and signed for the side at the beginning of the season following the expiration of his Oxford contract. Murphy is a quick and exciting player who takes fans off their seats with his impressive skills. This season, he has 7 goals and 10 assists to his name, being evidence of his exceptional attacking capabilities. Murphy and Portsmouth must now focus on surviving in order to experience another championship campaign.
Preston – Kaine Kesler-Hayden
Preston are comfortably 16th in the league and are equally distant from playoffs to relegation, essentially leaving little to play for until the end of the season. Preston have had a few noticeably good performers this season but I’ve selected Aston Villa loanee Kaine Kesler-Hayden because of his positive impact in both attacking and defensive senses for the side. The Englishman plays as a right-sided defender mostly however is fairly versatile. As a result of his good performances, Kesler-Hayden has been undroppable by manager Paul Heckingbottom. Across 39 appearances this season, Kesler-Hayden has 1 goal and 3 assists to his name. His focus now turns to completing the season with Preston and further what is next because as mentioned, he is on loan from Champions league side Aston Villa.
QPR – Jimmy Dunne
QPR have had a decent campaign and on 49 points are likely to survive yet another Championship season. The R’s have had multiple standout performers this season including Kieran Morgan and Michael Frey however I’ve selected Jimmy Dunne as the best player for them this season. The Irishman snubbed Sheffield United towards the beginning of this season and remained committed to his side. The 27 year old has been solid this season with his speed and strength. On top of this, Dunne has played an entirely new position this season, transitioning from being a centre back to a right back. This has created a turning point with Jimmy Dunne’s performances as he now averages a 7.3 per match this season. The right-sided defender has even added goal scoring to his tally with 5 goals and 2 assists this season, becoming both an asset to his sides attacking and defensive passages. QPR now await the end of the season as they strive to survive but Jimmy Dunne’s contract is up at the end of the season so it’s a matter of whether another side will snatch him up or will he commit to another season with the Rangers.
Sheffield United – Gustavo Hamer
Sheffield United are chasing promotion this season with several standout players across the campaign, however, Gustavo Hamer is very much the standout. The Dutch midfielder pulls the strings for the title contending Sheffield United. As of right now, Hamer has 8 goals and 5 assists this season. He excels in his short passing, dribbling, and breaking up opposition attacks with his strong tackling. Not only this, the midfielder has an eye for goal and is often involved in the final third. Hamer has been directly involved in 23% of Sheffield United’s goals this season, acting as evidence of his essential role in their squad and their goalscoring abilities. Hamer recently scored a stunning free kick against former club Coventry who he refused to celebrate against.
Sheffield Wednesday – Josh Windass
Sheffield Wednesday are an exciting and attacking side to watch this season. They’ve had many standout performers but Josh Windass especially has been a standout performer. Josh Windass is an English striker who is a natural goal scorer. In the league this season, Windass has scored an impressive 11 goals along with 5 assists in what is a brilliant season for Danny Rohl’s Sheffield Wednesday side. The English striker is a target man who often scores inside of the box however is also known for and capable of the spectacular. On the 1st of January, Windass scored an exquisite effort from the half-way line which left Derby stunned. Windass and his Sheffield Wednesday side are 9 points distant from playoffs making it near impossible to achieve them but despite this the team have had an incredible season after being predicted a much lower placement than achieved
Stoke – Viktor Johanson
Stoke have had another lacklustre season with few points to their name and are on 44 points, meaning they have a worrying stance in the relegation battle. However, one player deserves as much praise as he can get for his exceptional goalkeeping and it’s Viktor Johanson. The Swedish goalkeeper signed from league one side Rotherham this season and has exceled when called upon. The Swede has a save percentage of 72.6 this season which is quite impressive, especially for a side as low as they are. Johanson doesn’t fail to amaze with his spectacular saves, especially the last ditch effort against Blackburn where he made an excellent diving save. Johanson is one of the better goalkeepers across the league and considering he starts for his national side, it’ll be very hard to keep him after the end of this season.
Sunderland – Jobe Bellingham
Sunderland have taken the Championship by storm this season, in what is an honourable campaign for the Black Cats. Many players could’ve been labelled their best however I’ve gone for Jobe Bellingham. The 19 year old is recognisably the brother of Real Madrid wonderkid Jude Bellingham. As of now, Jobe Bellingham has 4 goals and 3 assists in the league, being a crucial addition to their midfield accompanied by multiple sensations like Chris Rigg and Le Fee. Sunderland are very much an attacking side where Jobe Bellingham is essential in an attacking sense by making line-breaking passes. Jobe has featured for England’s under 21’s this season and has a bright future ahead in a club and national team sense. Also, Sunderland (Jobe’s club) are currently 4th in the league comfortably in the playoffs on 76 points, giving them a chance at promotion to the Premier league.
Swansea – Benjamin Cabango
Swansea are currently 14th with 51 points, making it near enough impossible for the side to achieve playoffs this campaign. However, the swans have survived relegation and have had a few key performers who have been key to their success this season. I believe the best player for Swansea this season has to be Benjamin Cabango. In what is his 6th season in Swansea colours, Cabango has been great at bolstering his side’s defensive line. Cabango is a composed defender and at 24 years old has attracted interest from various high level clubs. The Welshman isn’t afraid to put in a tackle, having done so 82 times with a solid success rate of 74%. Also, Cabango has blocked a respectable 29 shots this season. Having already featured several times for the Welsh national team and being only 24, it will be hard for the swans to keep such a player beyond this season.
Watford – Giorgi Chakvetadze
Watford have had a successful campaign where they’ve strived for success throughout. Much of this success is at the fault of Georgian magician Giorgi Chakvetadze. The 25 year old has 2 goals and 6 assists to his name this season. Chakvetadze is an essential asset to Watford and their success as he’s responsible for the control his side has in midfield, effectively pulling the strings. The midfielder is crucial to the club and currently holds a market value of 5 million pounds which is the 2nd highest value in their squad apart from Caleb Wiley (the Chelsea loanee). On top of this, he often starts for the Georgian national team and again is a key part of their midfield and progressive passes. The hornets are currently 6 points adrift of the playoffs, making it increasingly difficult for the club to achieve them however have had significant success in attempting to gain promotion.
West Brom – Josh Maja
As usual, West Brom are aiming for playoffs this season in a plot to regain promotion to the Premier league. The baggies have had many good performers this season but the most recognisable is Josh Maja, a Nigerian centre-forward who has spectacular goalscoring abilities. The striker is currently the 5th top goal scorer, having netted on 12 occasions this season. Maja has struggled with injuries this season and is set for a lengthy period on the sidelines, being a huge miss for West Brom in their battle for play offs. The Nigerian specialises in being an aerial presence and a target inside of the box. Josh Maja is one of the better strikers in the entire league and has made a difference in a goal scoring sense when he’s played. With 5 games to go, West Brom must continue to battle for promotion under the absence of their number 9 as he’s currently rehabilitating as a result of an injury previously suffered.
