The Championship Team of the Year has been announced and is as mystifying as ever! Apart from having been decided – by journalists – two months and 8 games before the end of the season we once again simply see a loose collection of decent players shoveled into an XI. The players those were chosen are obviously talented, but can never make a team, as so many like Anthony Knockaert, Glenn Murray, and Chris Wood would be playing out of position in this 4-3-3 formation.
#EFLAwards: The @FootballManager Team of the Season for the @SkyBetChamp pic.twitter.com/WsxMT723b7
— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) March 20, 2017
However, one should never moan about a situation without offering an alternative solution. So, we offer a different Team of the Year in a similar formation, made entirely of deserving cases that did not make the actual list.
Formation: 4-3-3
GK: KARL DARLOW
The Toon stopper has done precious little wrong this season having deposed Matz Sels as no.1 in the absence of Tim Krul and Rob Elliot. Even having made what looked like a crucial mistake against Rotherham at 0-0, he got up to make a miraculous save, something which was applauded on social media by none other than Iker Casillas.
RB: ANDY YIADOM
Barnsley’s Ghanaian right-back has consistently put in solid performances this season and could well have won his South Yorkshire battle with Tom Smith of Huddersfield for this spot.
CB: TOM CLARKE
It is easy to see how well the Preston team have done. Some may consider skipper Tom Clarke their standout performer at the back.
CB: CIARAN CLARK
Newcastle are at the top of the table with the best defensive record in the league and Clark is their best defender. Simple really!
LB: CHARLIE TAYLOR
Charlie Taylor has been phenomenal for Leeds this season and easily deserves a spot in the TOTY. The Leeds man is a talented lad and is destined for big things.
CM: TOM CAIRNEY
Cairney was inexplicably left out of the EFL’s choices. Potentially, he is top class and the Fulham midfielder would thoroughly deserves a place.
CM: ALAN BROWNE
Preston have been so solid in the and this player is one of the reasons why. Watch out for the young Irish defensive midfield player.
CM: CONOR HOURIHANE
Hourihane looks like a great buy for Aston Villa and has been exceptional this season and has made the midfield region his own
RW: MATT RITCHIE
A real workhorse for Newcastle on the right-hand side of their attack, Ritchie has been responsible for 9 goals and 8 assists in the league, cutting in from the right to great effect.
LW: AIDEN MCGEADY
McGeady is a quality player. No doubt about it. He has been brilliant on the attack and is one of the most underrated players around. Deserves a place in TOTY.
ST: TAMMY ABRAHAM
Many to consider here; Forestieri, Kodjia, and Kermorgant among others, but in this specific position it’s all about goals and 19 in 33 for a struggling Bristol City side speaks volumes about the on-loan Chelsea man.