EFL Championship Team Of The 2017/18 Season
It’s early days of course, but it’s always fun to compare opinions on what we have witnessed so far in what looks a good quality upper end of the Championship so far this season. One way to do is to put up a Team of the Year.
With many of these fantasy line-ups though, people tend to want to just throw in any combination of players based on their individual performances, regardless of whether or not they could play together or play in the given formation.
Here though, I’ve put together a XI based on their individual prowess and on the space they occupy on the pitch. In other words; there’s no point in choosing Neymar and Ronaldo together in a World XI when they both essentially occupy the same space, is there?
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Chris Wilder
GK – Sam Johnstone (Aston Villa)
The on-loan Man United ‘keeper has been superb this term and is highly rated by Mourinho, though Villa are attempting to sign him permanently.
RB – Cyrus Christie (Middlesbrough)
It was suggested that Derby’s decision to sell the best right-back in the league last summer was bad; I agree. Matt Doherty of Wolves could also do a fine job as an attacking full-back.
CB – Sol Bamba (Cardiff)
Conor Coady is probably a better long-term proposition, however, it’s hard to argue against the inclusion of Bamba based on his performances this term.
CB – Willy Boly (Wolves)
Sits on the left of Wolves’ back three and would be very comfortable here. Boly has been class this season and belongs at the top level.
LB – Joe Bryan (Bristol City)
Some of his top performances have been in the midfield, but Bryan is an expert attacking left-back and would be challenged only by Barry Douglas of Wolves for this role.
CM – Kalvin Phillips (Leeds)
To be considered more important than Ronaldo Vieira at his own club, let alone one of the best in the league, is quite a feat for Phillips but he has done extremely well this season so far overall. Ruben Neves would fit into this system too.
CM – George Saville (Millwall)
Occupying the space just left of centre is well within his capability and he has been in terrific form for Millwall this season.
RW – Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (Cardiff)
The big man has performed brilliantly down the Cardiff right this term and would be very dangerous in this sort of role.
CAM – James Maddison (Norwich)
Maddison looks top notch and has improved this season. Watch out for him in the Premier League very soon.
LW – Diogo Jota (Wolves)
A top quality talent and capable of playing at the top level, Jota is only on loan at present but may yet grace the Premier League with Wolves next season.
ST – Leo Bonatini (Wolves)
There’s a reason Wolves are on top – they have the best players! Bonatini is a quality striker in the context of this division and is only getting better.