The Championship XI Of The Season So Far Including Will Hughes And Danny Ings

P.s: The article was written before last weekend’s matches.

The battle to win promotion to the Premier League is intensifying and players have impressed in their bid to fire their team to the playoffs and beyond. Here’s my Championship XI of the season so far.

GK- Robert Green

Many people forget he is still quality goalkeeper since his mistake at the 2010 World Cup against USA. This season he has kept QPR in games particularly against Yeovil in September when he made a series of good saves in a 1-0 QPR win. His form has made him worthy of consideration for England as a candidate for second or third choice at the World Cup. The former Norwich goalkeeper still has a hunger to play for the national team who was quoted in this Telegraph article as saying:

“The goal when I was 10 years old was to play for my country and it’s still my goal.”

RB-Ikechi Anya

The Glaswegian-born ex Granada player continues to make waves for Watford in a team known for its attacking brand of football. Last season he earned his first caps for Scotland for impressive form and this season he has continued to shine for both club and country. One of the most potent attacking players in the league and still only 25. It may not be long till he is prized away by a Premier League club.

CB- Wes Morgan

As-per-usual he’s been solid this season as Leicester sit inside the promotion places. A commanding and controlling centre-back, he’s been the reason behind Leicester tight defence which is the fourth best with only 15 goals shipped this season.

CB- Jason Shackell

A bit of a Championship journeyman, Jason Shackell has finally settled on Burnley and for the first time since his days at Wolves. He is staying with a club beyond a season. Burnley are currently punching above their weight and he has been an integral part of the defence that has conceded ten goals this season. He also showed his goalscoring prowess with a goal in a 3-0 win over Derby back in August.

LB- Aaron Cresswell

The Ipswich youngster is one of the more consistent performers in a squad that lack the consistency to make the playoffs. Despite there being no bids for him during the summer. He will surely attract some high-profile attention in January.

RM- Albert Adomah

Since arriving from Bristol City, Albert Adomah has been by far Middlesbrough’s most productive player this season. An essential part to their attack, with more quality in support. He could propel Middlesbrough towards the playoffs under their new manager, Aitor Karanka.

CM- Danny Drinkwater

In his second season at Leicester City, he has settled down and established himself as one of the club’s most influential players. A varied playing style, he has added some goals to his game. With two this season compared to one in the whole of last season.

CM- Will Hughes

The bright-blonde haired teen has been a sensation again for Derby this season and he is becoming a sensation for the England u21’s as well. It is a relief to hear Brendan Rodgers dismiss the link to Liverpool and it is refreshing that the Liverpool manager believes Hughes is at the right club:

“I think he is a wonderful young talent who just needs to play football and for me he is probably at the best place he could be.”

Certainly one for the future, a few more years at Derby would suit everyone nicely.

LM- Tom Ince

While Will Hughes happily stays in the Championship. Tom Ince is banging on the door of the Premier League. He has again started the season in impressive form, with Blackpool currently sitting in the playoff places. Swansea are the latest club pursuing the former Liverpool academy player, who has scored six goals this season.

ST- Ross McCormack

McCormack showed the reason why Leeds were so desperate to keep him during the transfer window when he scored four goals at Charlton in a 4-2 win. His free-kick in the dying-embers showed his class as he curled it past Ben Hamer. The only Leeds player of real genuine attacking quality, he provides the best hope of delivering their playoff dreams.

ST- Danny Ings

Burnley’s gamble to take him to Turf Moor from Bournemouth may have seemed risky at the time, but now he’s showing a side to his game that not many knew was in him. His goalscoring prowess and partnership with Sam Vokes is the reason Burnley are flying high at the top-of-the-table. His achievements have been recognised by Gareth Southgate, who has given him two England u-21 caps. In the most recent, he scored his first two under 21 goals as England beat San Marino 9-0.