Centre midfielders from Newcastle United, Leeds United, Brighton, Derby County and Aston Villa all feature in this HITC Sport poll.
Fulham’s Tom Cairney celebrates
With the Championship season drawing towards its close, HITC Sport has been taken a look at some of the stand-out central midfield players of this season. With so many to choose from, we’ve selected just five, but did we get our picks right?
It’s time like these that having a top class centre midfielder really shines through. But who is the number one in the Championship? Before you get a chance to vote, here’s a look at some of the contenders…
1. Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa)
Aston Villa’s Conor Hourihane
The midfielder was one of the stand out performers in the Championship during his time at Barnsley, as highlighted in a past HITC Sport article, and since joining Aston Villa in January, the Republic of Ireland midfielder has kept up his good form. Able to score from set-pieces, from distance, and generally link up play to an excellent standard, Conor Hourihane has shone in 2016-17.
2. Jonjo Shelvey (Newcastle United)
Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle United
The former Swansea City midfielder has been outstanding for Newcastle United this season, and has played a major part in the side’s push for promotion, which now looks all but certain. Able to pick a pass out of thin air, Shelvey is one player that will almost certainly continue to feature in Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United side once they return to the top flight.
3. Will Hughes (Derby County)
Derby’s Will Hughes
At the age of just 21, Derby County midfielder Will Hughes has made over 160 appearances for his hometown club, and is certainly set to have a big future. The midfielder, who is incredibly skillful with the ball at his feet, has been Derby’s best player for quite a while now, and if he could add some more goals to his game, would likely find himself sought after by hosts of Premier League clubs.
4. Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield Town)
Aaron Mooy of Huddersfield Town celebrates
The Manchester City loanee has played a major part in Huddersfield’s push for promotion this season, acting as the linchpin in David Wagner’s new look Terriers midfield. Able to score goals as well as create them, Mooy has been a revelation this season, and the Terriers will likely be hoping that promotion will aid their efforts to secure him on a permanent basis.
5. Tom Cairney (Fulham)
Fulham’s Tom Cairney
Hoping to guide his side on a late promotion push, Fulham’s Tom Cairney has improved week on week since joining Fulham from Blackburn Rovers. The young Scottish midfielder has a rocket shot, is excellent from set-pieces and can pick a pass from all over the pitch: making him a useful weapon in any team’s Arsenal.
So who would you pick? Cast your vote in the poll below!
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