Fans have been voting for the best full-back in the Championship, including players from Newcastle United, Leeds United, Aston Villa, Brighton and Sheffield Wednesday.
Leeds’ Luke Ayling
Over the course of the last week, football fans have been taking part in a HITC Sport poll, voting for the full-back that they believe to be the best in the Sky Bet Championship. Defenders from clubs such as Newcastle United, Leeds United, Sheffield Wednesday, Aston Villa and Brighton and Hove Albion were all chosen.
But which full-back came out the victor? Here’s a rundown of how the votes panned out, and who took the top three spots, with one being voted the best full-back in the Championship…
3. DeAndre Yedlin (Newcastle United) – 18%
Newcastle United’s DeAndre Yedlin in action
The American international joined Newcastle United in the summer from Tottenham Hotspur, after an impressive season with the Magpies’ biggest rivals, Sunderland. Full of pace and attacking threat, DeAndre Yedlin has really shown his quality in the Championship this season, and has played a big part in the Newcastle’s impressive campaign so far. With Rafa Benitez’s side looking set for promotion, DeAndre Yedlin is one of many Newcastle United players who will likely slot straight into Premier League football with ease.
2. Jack Hunt (Sheffield Wednesday) – 22%
Sheffield Wednesday’s Jack Hunt in action with Aston Villa’s Jordan Ayew
After a number of loans to clubs such as Barnsley, Nottingham Forest and Rotherham, full-back Jack Hunt joined Sheffield Wednesday on a permanent deal this summer. Struggling to find a place to settle, many wondered whether the immense talent that Jack Hunt was showing in spells would go to waste. However, after the lifeline was provided by Sheffield Wednesday, the full-back has really come into his own, and his performances in a blue shirt often go overlooked. Not only is Jack Hunt deadly going forward, he is also one of the hardest tacklers in the division and has been one of Wednesday’s most consistent players.
1. Luke Ayling (Leeds United) – 41%
Derby’s Ikechi Anya in action with Leeds’ Luke Ayling
Running away with the vote after picking up 41%, fans have voted Leeds United’s Luke Ayling as the best full-back in the Championship. After a number of years with Championship outfit Bristol City, Luke Ayling occupied a number of positions across the defence, both as a right-back and as part of a back three with saw Bristol City promoted. However, since joining Garry Monk’s Leeds United, the defender has cemented himself as the club’s most reliable right-back, and has impressed fans hugely this season. His versatility makes him not just one of the best full-backs in the division, but one of the best defenders in general.
Luke Ayling of Leeds United clears the ball
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