The Championship released their official team of the season at the EFL Awards on 19 April.
Five correspondents at The Lower Tiers have chosen their respective teams of the season, in an attempt to better the official team chosen by the EFL.
Alex’s goalkeeper: It can only be Carl Rushworth. Daniel Peretz would have given him a run for his money had he been at Southampton all season, but the Englishman comfortably gets in here.
Alex’s defenders: Matt Targett and Luke Ayling of Middlesbrough both make it into the backline, given their good defensive record and individual performances for Middlesbrough. They’re accompanied by the two best defenders in the division – Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Milan van Ewijk.
Alex’s midfielders: Imran Louza and Hayden Hackney, have been standouts in the Championship this season for me. Matt Grimes is a key cog in Coventry’s midfield and gets in as the third midfielder.
Alex’s forwards: Femi Azeez has been great this season and is the gem at the top of a well-oiled Millwall team. Zan Vipotnik may not be the most flashy striker, but he is the top scorer so automatically makes it into this team, especially given that he plays for mid-table Swansea.
Leo Scienza is comfortably the best player in the Championship for me – I cannot believe he wasn’t nominated for player of the season, let alone not picked in the official Championship team of the season. A player destined for the Premier League.
Matt’s goalkeeper: Carl Rushworth has been crucial to Coventry’s title charge, keeping them in games when they’ve not been at their best. He gets the nod in goal.
Matt’s defenders: Milan Van Ewijk is the best right-back in the league, so exciting to watch going forward, unbelievably quick and strong defensively. Jake Cooper has been crucial at the back in a strong Millwall side. Taylor Harwood-Bellis is a Premier League-quality rock at the back of a strong Saints defensive line. Matt Targett came in and steadied a previously shaky Boro defence this season.
Matt’s midfielders: My first pick is Matt Grimes, who is a Rolls-Royce of a midfielder, controls the tempo of the game so well, been doing it in the Championship for almost ten years. Hayden Hackney is the best player in the league, so good on and off the ball and is a massive player for the way Middlesbrough play. Azor Matusiwa is a very strong midfielder who took a little while to adjust to English football since his move from Rennes, but has impressed a lot.
Matt’s forwards: Leo Scienza is my pick on the left wing. Has been sensational under Tonda Eckert and vital in their resurgence. Zan Vipotnik in the centre – 20 goals in a below-average Swansea side shows how good he is. Tatsuhiro Sakamoto on the right. For me, criminally underrated – impacts games so easily and makes the difference for Coventry.
Holly’s goalkeeper: Carl Rushworth has been one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the division.
Holly’s defenders: Going for a back three in my team. Taylor Harwood-Bellis’s consistency and maturity have made him one of the most complete centre-backs in the league this season. Matt Clarke has been exceptional in physical battles for Derby, dominates aerially, and brings organisational qualities to the back line. Leif Davis has been great for Ipswich Town once again this year.
Holly’s midfielders: Sorba Thomas’s work rate and end product make him a constant threat and a perfect fit as an attacking wing-back. Hayden Hackney has been the metronome in midfield for Middlesbrough, dictating the tempo of games with composure and intelligence.
Sheffield United’s Hamer has been one of the most dynamic midfielders in the Championship, combining relentless energy with creativity and goal threat. Leo Scienza brings flair and technical quality to the midfield too, operating effectively in advanced areas. His close control, vision, and creativity allow him to unlock stubborn defences – he has been magnificent this season.
Holly’s forwards: Oli McBurnie, Zan Vipotnik and Haji Wright come together to make my front three. McBurnie offers a physical edge and relentless work rate in attack, making him a difficult opponent for defenders. Vipotnik’s ability to hold off defenders and link play makes him central to Swansea’s attacking structure, while his finishing ensures he remains a consistent goal threat throughout the season. Haji Wright of Coventry City has been a constant attacking threat thanks to his pace, power, and direct style of play.
Rob’s goalkeeper: Carl Rushworth. Being a Lincoln fan, I’ve always known Rushworth is quality. He’s a major outlet for that Coventry team. He’s also got 16 clean sheets, a massive part of Cov’s promotion to the Premier League.
Rob’s defenders: Terry Devlin slots in as my right-back. Controversial one this with where Portsmouth sit in the table, but Devlin has been a rare shining light and despite being just 22 he’s earned his starting spot. Taylor Harwood-Bellis. Easiest pick of them all, THB has been impressive all season, he’s been an absolute rock at the back for the Saints.
Matt Clarke as the other centre-half. Derby County have had a punishing season with injuries this campaign but the experienced Clarke has been a pretty much ever-present for John Eustace’s side. Ryan Manning at left-back – he’s been solid in shoring up that left-hand side for Southampton and has chipped in with a huge eight goals.
Rob’s midfielders: Jordan James may be another controversial one, as Leicester City have been woeful this season, but the Welsh international has been a rare glimmer. Hayden Hackney has been a massive part of Middlesbrough’s season, with his goals and with his general engine in that midfield as he scraps for every single ball.
Jack Rudoni. The second of my picks from the champions, Rudoni’s general play, which has impressed me. He is just as confident setting up a goal or scoring a goal, or getting back into the midfield and making that extra man matter.
Rob’s forwards: Bobby Clark has been impressive since joining on loan from Red Bull Salzburg and a lot of Rams fans are hoping along with Eustace that he will sign on the dotted line. On the other side is namesake Jack Clarke – probably one of the only other players to really catch my eye this season. Zan Vipotnik at striker. The 24-year-old Slovenian has been on fire this season for the Swans and whilst they sit mid-table, he’s top of the scoring charts for the Championship.
Liam’s goalkeepers: Carl Rushworth – most clean sheets in the Championship, by far the best keeper in the league.
Liam’s defenders: Taylor Harwood Bellis has been consistent for Southampton and has shown his quality in recent times – definitely deserves another shot at the Premier League. Luke Ayling has been a real leader in the Middlesbrough team, mixing experience with young, talented players, guiding them to an automatic promotion fight.
Ryan Manning, on the left, has shown his form since Tonda Eckert has come in, has been solid defensively as well as in attack. On the opposite side, Van Ewijk has created plenty of chances and caused defences problems with his balls into the box for Coventry.
Liam’s midfielders: Imran Louza has been a standout player this season in the division, as has Hayden Hackney. Lewis O’ Brien has created plenty of crucial performances for Wrexham and provided goals at the right time, helping them with their playoff push.
Liam’s forwards: Jack Clarke has provided a real boost for Ipswich in attack, being their top scorer. A lot for defences to handle on his day. Zan Vipotnik is by far the best striker in the league. His ability to finish is superb. Femi Azeez – a step up on last season for the Irishman, was very impressed by him as he seems the standout player for Millwall.
Did The Lower Tiers’ writers do better or worse than the official selection?
