From promotion hopefuls establishing themselves early to the clubs fighting to steady themselves after slow starts, the opening months have revealed the competitiveness and unpredictability that make the Championship so compelling.
Here are the eleven players selected by the Lower Tiers’ team as a part of the Championship Team of the Season so far.
For context, a maximum of two players from each club were eligible to feature in the starting eleven, with selections made using a range of performance-based criteria. This piece has also been written from a neutral perspective, with no Championship allegiances or bias towards any particular club.
Victor Torp has been a powerhouse in Coventry City’s midfield during their impressive first half of the season, contributing seven goals and four assists, proving to be a constant attacking threat.
Cedric Kipre wasn’t initially a regular in Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town line-up, but in recent weeks, he has cemented his place in the starting eleven alongside Dara O’Shea.
Jovon Makama was Norwich City’s standout performer in an otherwise disappointing first half of the Championship season, emerging as a real threat in the number nine role under Philippe Clement.
Another number nine who deserves recognition is Derby County’s Carlton Morris. He could have featured in the team if not for a serious injury sustained against Watford in November, having already scored ten goals before his setback.
Anis Mehmeti continues to impress for The Robins. After scoring twelve goals in the 24/25 campaign, he has already netted nine this season, making it likely he will surpass last year’s total.
Despite an overall underwhelming campaign, Swansea have found a bright spark this season in Zan Vipotnik, who has already scored eleven goals in the Championship.
Is there really any debate here? Stoke City’s Viktor Johansson might be Rushworth’s closest rival, posting similar stats this season, but it’s The Sky Blues’ goalkeeper who has been the driving force behind their success under Frank Lampard, keeping nine clean sheets in thirty appearances. Meanwhile, Jacob Zetterstrom has also proven himself a reliable shot-stopper for Derby County.
Statistically, Rushworth leads the Championship in expected goals (xG) prevented, saving 5.5—0.9 more than the second-placed goalkeeper while keeping numerous clean sheets and making 82 saves at a 73.2% save rate.
He also set a new Coventry City club record by going over 600 minutes without conceding a league goal, underlining his exceptional form between the posts this season.
After a loan spell at Middlesbrough, Giles’ return to his parent club Hull City has been largely successful, although slightly hampered by injury.
Within Hull City’s tactical setup, Giles has emerged as a key creative force from the left flank, frequently providing chances and assists, particularly for striker Oli McBurnie, contributing eight assists in twenty-four Championship appearances.
According to Fotmob, Giles is currently joint-second in the league for assists, level with Ipswich’s Marcelino Nunez, while also ranking near the top for chances created (33) and successful crosses (43)—not bad at all for a left-back!
With his manager describing him as “just a beast,” Crama’s defensive intelligence, dominance in aerial duels, and versatility across both right-centre-back and right-back have played a key role in Millwall’s competitiveness near the top of the league table this season.
By the key metrics that define a top centre-back, Crama has been one of the standout defenders in the Championship, registering 49 tackles, winning 147 duels, and making 39 interceptions across 27 appearances.
Like Crama, Storey has been a rock at the back for Preston North End, anchoring the division’s third-best defence, which has conceded just 26 goals. His consistency is undeniable, and he’s clearly a fan favourite at Deepdale, now entering his seventh season with The Lilywhites.
At the other end of the pitch, Storey has also contributed two goals and two assists, complementing his impressive defensive output across 27 Championship appearances. While he falls slightly behind Crama in tackles made (36), he more than makes up for it in duels won, ranking second in the league with 196.
Storey, however, leads the league in interceptions, racking up an impressive 46 at the time of writing.
Middlesbrough’s strong start to the season has relied on a backbone of solid defensive performances, despite frequent interruptions in selection due to injuries. Described as a “modern full-back” capable both on and off the ball, he has contributed four assists and created 25 chances so far this campaign.
Brittain has made the right-back position his own, using his attacking instincts to contribute assists and provide a creative spark in Middlesbrough’s setup. His crossing and link-up play add an extra dimension to the team’s right flank.
Defensively, Brittain has been just as impressive, winning possession in the final third seven times—the most in the Championship!
As you’d expect from a big-money summer signing, Matusiwa has performed exceptionally under Kieran McKenna, quickly becoming one of the first names on the team sheet.
Primarily deployed as the physical presence in McKenna’s midfield mirroring the role once held by club legend Sam Morsy, Matusiwa has earned his place in our Team of the Season through his consistency in recycling possession and making crucial interceptions.
Hackney has set the Championship alight for Middlesbrough this season. After fending off strong summer transfer interest from Ipswich Town, Premier League clubs are now circling for his signature.
Hackney currently holds the third-highest average match rating in the Championship on Fotmob, at 7.53. Typically deployed as a deep-lying creator for Middlesbrough, he influences both possession build-up and transitional play. Over nearly 2,400 minutes this season, he has contributed three goals and five assists.
With 1,429 passes completed, 51 chances created, and 34 successful dribbles, Hackney’s statistics underline the significant impact he consistently has in Kim Hellberg’s Middlesbrough system (formerly Rob Edwards’). His influence has been a key factor behind the club’s second-place position.
Although his form has dipped in recent weeks, Louza’s performances throughout October and November propelled Watford’s number ten into contention as one of the favourites for the Player of the Season award.
Louza is defined by his technical ability and creativity, with even opposition managers describing his performances as “technically outstanding.” He has been directly involved in six goals and assists while creating 49 chances, acting as a key catalyst in Watford’s resurgence under Javi Gracia. Thanks to his influence, the Hornets are now competing at the top end of the table rather than settling for mid-table mediocrity.
Moreover, Louza currently holds the highest average match rating in the division on Fotmob, with 7.63, just ahead of Hayden Hackney and Victor Torp.
Two words: pure class. While we haven’t included him in his usual left-wing role, there was simply no excuse not to feature Ipswich’s star, Philogene. I’ve had the pleasure of watching him once this season, and every time he touched the ball, Ipswich fans couldn’t help but get excited.
A Premier League move now seems likely, given his nine goals and two assists so far this season. It’s fair to say that most of those goals weren’t simple tap-ins, but truly spectacular strikes.
Philogene’s standout statistic is undoubtedly the 84 touches he has made in the opposition’s box, consistently causing havoc for full-backs across the Championship.
Stoke appear to have finally broken free from the cycle of finishing in the Championship’s bottom half year after year, with Sorba Thomas emerging as a key contributor to the team’s recent surge in form.
Thomas’s nine goals and six assists so far highlight his ability to both finish chances and create opportunities for teammates, with his flair and skill out wide particularly on display.
His brace against Charlton Athletic, featuring audacious efforts from wide positions, highlighted the quality of his attacking performances. Over the season, he has created 52 chances and taken 22 shots that have found the target.
Coventry and Brandon Thomas-Asante have seen their profiles skyrocket during the 25/26 campaign, emerging as standout figures in the Championship. Undeniably, Thomas-Asante remains one of the division’s most influential forwards, continuing his prolific scoring into his fourth season in the second tier.
Despite a month-and-a-half injury layoff slowing his momentum, Thomas-Asante still sits second in the Championship Golden Boot race, with ten goals in eighteen appearances (fifteen starts) and a respectable three assists.
Additionally, with just seventeen shots on target, he remains one of the Championship’s most lethal threats in the box.
