With the international break upon us, one of the hot topics to be discussed on the upcoming weekly Championship Round Table Podcast (@ChampionshipPod) is the best starting XI in the Sky Bet Championship this season. The discussion and debate will include many views. After narrowing my shorlist of over 30 players down to 11, here’s a taster of what’s to come on the forthcoming show. Here’s my very attacking opinion...
(4-4-2)
Goalkeeper - John Ruddy
(4-4-2)
Goalkeeper - John Ruddy
Ruddy may seem an obvious choice, playing in a team that sits comfortably at the top of the table, however, the Wolves shot-stopper has kept more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper in the league this season. His performances have played a pivotal part in Wolves’ success so far.
Right Back - Cyrus Christie
Right Back - Cyrus Christie
At only 22-years of age, the Irish international has continued to impress in the north-east this term. With 3 man-of-the-match awards and a couple of assists to his name, Christie, for me, is the pick of the bunch at right-back.
Centre Back - Sol Bamba
Bamba, the experienced centre-half has helped the Bluebirds to a very promising start in the Championship. Solid performances including 3 man-of-the-match awards, plus a couple of goals have proved his worth as one of the best central defenders this season.
Centre Back - Aden Flint
Flint is a top quality defender, however, 4 goals, 3 man-of-the-match awards and with Bristol City flying high in the table, Flint simply could not be left out of my starting XI.
Left-Back - Adam Reach
Alrhough Adam Reach has played predominantly on the left wing this term, I could not field a team without Diogo Jota in a forward role. Anyhow, 3 goals, 3 assists and consitant performances by the Wednesday man have helped the Owls hit a small run of form recently.
Defensive Midfield - Massimo Luongo
Luongo may not be an obvious choice, however, no player in the Championship has made more tackles in midfield this season. With a couple of assists also, the Australian international sits in my midfield on defensive duties.
Attacking Midfield - Bobby Reid
Personally, I think Bobby Reid is the star man in the Championship so far. With 9 goals in addition to his sublime performances this season, Reid is certainly attracting the attention of clubs in the Premier League and rightly so.
Midfield Left - Diogo Jota
The 20-year-old attacker has settled into the Championship just nicely, I’m sure he will go on to greater things. His 7 goals and 2 assists this term have certainly played a huge part in Wolves’ success thus far.
Midfielder Right - Barrie McKay
McKay continues to impress week-in-week-out, with 11 goals and assists combined, the Scottish forward was an easy addition to my team as my right-sided midfielder.
Striker - Leo Bonatini
Already on double figures this season, there is no doubt that Bonatini is the striker of the campaign so far, additionally, he has also conjured up 4 assists to his name as Wolves currently fly high in the Championship.
Striker - Leon Clarke
My final choice was a toss-up between Leon Clarke and Ollie Watkins. Clarkes recent master-class against Hull City, scoring 4 goals in a 36 minute period gave him the edge, taking his tally to 8 for the campaign and is my final pick.
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