Fans have been voting for the best central defender in the Championship, including players from Newcastle United, Leeds United and Brighton and Hove Albion.
Brighton’s Lewis Dunk applauds fans
Over the course of the weekend, fans have been taking part in a HITC Sport poll, voting for the central defender that they believe is the best in the Sky Bet Championship. Centre-backs from clubs such as Newcastle United, Leeds United, Derby County, Aston Villa and Brighton and Hove Albion were all selected.
But which defender took the top spot? Here’s a rundown of how the votes panned out, and who came away as the fan-voted best centre-half in the Championship…
3. Jamaal Lascelles (Newcastle United) – 8%
Newcastle United’s Jamaal Lascelles at the end of the game
The Newcastle United captain had to wait for his chance in a black and white shirt after joining the club from Nottingham Forest in 2014. However, after stepping up during Newcastle United’s fight against relegation last season, the Derby-born defender hasn’t looked back, earning himself the Captain’s armband for his great performances and vocality on the pitch. Now arguably one of the best defenders in the Championship, Lascelles has played a major part in Newcastle United’s success this season.
2. Pontus Jansson (Leeds United) – 14%
Pontus Jansson of Leeds United
The Swedish defender has taken Leeds United by storm since joining on loan from Torino at the beginning of the season, and Garry Monk’s side were smart to get him in place to sign a permanent contract in the summer. Possibly the toughest centre-back in the division, Pontus Jansson optimises what it is to be a Leeds United player: Passionate, relentless and hard as nails, and will likely be playing Premier League football at this rate. Be it with Leeds United, or someone else!
1. Lewis Dunk (Brighton and Hove Albion) – 76%
Lewis Dunk (L) celebrates
Storming to victory with a massive 76% of the vote, Brighton and Hove Albion’s Lewis Dunk has been voted the best central defender in the Championship by football fans. Coming through the Brighton & Hove Albion youth academy, Lewis Dunk has already made over 150 appearances for the Seagulls, since making his professional debut in 2010. At the age of 25, Lewis Dunk still has his best years ahead of him, and looks to be becoming the new Ben Gibson: A homegrown defender who wears his heart on his sleeve. It also looks like Dunk will, quite deservedly, be playing Premier League football next season.
Brighton’s Lewis Dunk celebrates
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