Full-backs from Newcastle United, Leeds United, Brighton, Sheffield Wednesday and Aston Villa all feature in this HITC Sport poll.
Rajiv Van La Parra of Huddersfield Town has a shot blocked by James Bree of Aston Villa
As we now enter arguably the most vital part of the Championship season, teams are desperately trying to tighten up at the back, so as to not let potential pushes for promotion slip, or in some cases, to stop their slide down the table.
It’s time like these that having top class full-backs really shines through. But who is the top right/left back in the Championship? Before you get a chance to vote, here’s a look at some of the contenders…
1. DeAndre Yedlin (Newcastle United)
Newcastle United’s Deandre Yedlin (L) in action with Wolves’ Joe Mason
The US star joined from Tottenham Hotspur after an excellent season on loan with Newcastle’s greatest rivals, Sunderland, American full-back DeAndre Yedlin has really hit the ground running at St James Park. As well as being hard in the tackle, Yedlin’s attacking threat and bombing runs up and down the right flank have caused opposition defences nightmares over the course of the season, and he should slot easily into Premier League football, should the Toon get promoted.
2. Luke Ayling (Leeds United)
Luke Ayling of Leeds United
Joining Garry Monk’s side in the summer from Bristol City, Luke Ayling has provided a consistent quality down the right hand side for Leeds United this season. Despite the chopping and changing at the left-back spot for Leeds, Luke Ayling has held on to his place in the side with an iron grip, and offers a versatility that not many other full-backs can offer in the Championship.
3. James Bree (Aston Villa)
James Bree while playing for Barnsley (L)
After a number of impressive performances for Barnsley this season as part of an over-achieving Paul Heckingbottom side, defender James Bree made the move to Aston Villa this January. Strong, quick and great with the ball at his feet, James Bree is one of the most promising talents in the Championship and could play a big part in Villa’s inevitable push for promotion next season.
4. Bruno Saltor (Brighton and Hove Albion)
Brighton’s Bruno Saltor in action with Nottingham Forest’s Jamie Ward
After a successful few years with Spanish giants Valencia, Bruno Saltor joined Brighton & Hove Albion in 2012. Though enduring a slow start to his time with the Seagulls, Bruno has grown into the role of captain and has been one of Chris Hughton’s strongest and consistent performers this season. Could he be set to guide his side to the Premier League this season?
5. Jack Hunt (Sheffield Wednesday)
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. The young English right-back, who started his career with Huddersfield Town, has been in excellent form this season, offering a strong tackle at the back and a lot of attacking threat going forward.
So which full-back gets your vote? Cast yours in the HITC Sport poll below!
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