Hull City, Middlesbrough, Leeds United, Huddersfield Town, Sheffield United and Barnsley players all feature.
Victor Valdes (Middlesbrough)
Despite boasting a trophy cabinet which includes 3 Champions League’s and 6 La Liga titles, Victor Valdes still had a point to prove when he joined Middlesbrough in the summer. Following a torrid time at Old Trafford and a failed loan move to Standard Liege, some were beginning to doubt the Spaniards capabilities. He has played 15 games for Boro this season though and impressed thus far.
Michael Dawson (Hull City)
Tottenham Hotspur’s 2010 Player of the Year Michael Dawson joined Hull City in 2014, and although the 33-year-old may not be the most mobile, the Tigers are much more solid team with him in the side. As well as his defensive contributions, Dawson has also scored 3 goals this season, making him Hull’s third highest scorer.
Ben Gibson (Middlesbrough)
Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson
Often underrated prior to this season and the increased exposure the Premier League brings, Ben Gibson is one of the best young centre-backs in Britain. The 23-year-old former England U21 international has been touted as a future replacement for John Terry at Chelsea and he could well earn himself a full England call-up soon.
Pontus Jansson (Leeds United)
Leeds United finally appear to be launching a genuine promotion challenge this season, and that is down in no small part to the defensive efforts of Pontus Jansson and Kyle Bartley. The former of the two has been the most impressive, on-loan from Torino, Jansson has become a fan favourite and key man at Elland Road.
Robert Snodgrass (Hull City)
Robert Snodgrass celebrates scoring for Hull City
Robert Snodgrass’ Hull City future currently appears to be in doubt, with the Scotland international rejecting a new contract offer from the Tigers, and few could blame him if he were to leave the KCOM. Snodgrass has been Hull’s most dangerous player so far this season, particularly from set pieces, and has either scored or created half of all Mike Phelan’s teams goals.
Conor Hourihane (Barnsley)
Whilst the success of Leeds and Huddersfield has been well-documented this season, little attention has been paid to Barnsley, who are having a very decent first year back in the Championship. Currently 12th and far closer the play-offs than the drop, Conor Hourihane has been the most important player in Paul Heckingbottom’s team having a fine first half season.
Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield Town)
Huddersfield Town star Aaron Mooy in action against Leeds United
Huddersfield Town loanee Aaron Mooy has been one of the best players in the Championship this season. Contracted to Manchester City, Mooy has been the best player in Australia over the last couple of years, and has transferred that form to the John Smith’s Stadium, where he has been a linchpin in David Wagner’s side.
Adam Forshaw (Middlesbrough)
Adam Forshaw’s fine form at Middlesbrough has gone under the radar somewhat this season. The 25-year-old who left Everton in 2012 has climbed his way back to the top with Brentford, Wigan and now Middlesbrough. Technically gifted and hard working, Forshaw has arguably been Middlesbrough’s best player so far this season.
Gaston Ramirez (Middlesbrough)
Middlesbrough’s Gaston Ramirez had a very impressive 2016
Joining Forshaw in this Yorkshire XI’s midfield in Gaston Ramirez. Originally a big money signing by Southampton upon his arrival in England, he disappointed for both the Saints and Hull City, looking lightweight and ineffective. Always clearly a capable footballer though, the Uruguayan finally appears to have adapted to the English game and is now a key man at the Riverside.
Chris Wood (Leeds United)
The fourth highest scorer in the Championship with 11 goals to his name so far this season, Leeds United are heavily reliant on Chris Wood for goals. The New Zealand international is just 2 goals off matching his tally for the whole of last season, and like much of the Whites squad, he seems to have grown as a player under Garry Monk.
Billy Sharp (Sheffield United)
Billy Sharp celebrates scoring for Sheffield United
Some may feel it is a little generous to include a League One player in this squad, with the likes of Alvaro Negredo possible alternatives, but the Sheffield United man has 14 goals already this season, a tally which cannot go unrecognised. The 30-year-old hitman has always been prolific at that level and is now spearheading the Blades League One promotion push.
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