Newcastle United pair and an Aston Villa forward have made the shortlist, alongside Derby and Brighton stars.
The results from HITC Sport’s poll looking at the best players in the Championship from 2016 are in. But which star was voted the best player in 2016? Here is the top five…
5. Jonathan Kodjia – Aston Villa
Aston Villa’s Jonathan Kodjia
The 27-year-old is only midway through his second season in England but has already established himself as one of the Championship’s most lethal marksmen. He scored 20 goals during the calendar year having played for both Bristol City and Aston Villa during that time, and is now leading the latter’s revival up the table following their slow start to the campaign.
4. Jonjo Shelvey – Newcastle United
Despite the recent controversy surrounding the Newcastle midfielder, there is no denying that when he concentrates on matters on the pitch, he is one of the best midfielders in the division. Dropping down to the Championship has given Shelvey the opportunity to really express himself, and he looks destined to resume his career at the highest level very soon. Only two players have contributed more assists than the 24-year-old this season.
3. Dwight Gayle – Newcastle United
Newcastle United’s Dwight Gayle
Dwight Gayle’s form since his move to Newcastle has been nothing short of sensational. He scored 19 times in just 20 league games to put Rafael Benitez’s men in a great position to go on and secure automatic promotion at the first attempt. Having struggled to establish himself in the top flight, he will be hoping that his goals during 2016 help do enough to convince Benitez to stick with him if the seemingly inevitable promotion does happen.
2. Will Hughes – Derby County
Will Hughes already seems to be one of the most experienced Championship players about. Despite still just being 21, the midfielder has made nearly 150 league appearances for Derby County, and that figure would be significantly higher if it was not for a long-term injury sustained last season. The fact that he came back in 2016 and looked as strong as ever will have done Derby no favours as they look to try and keep hold of their brightest prospect.
1. Anthony Knockaert – Brighton
Brighton’s Anthony Knockaert
Brighton’s decision to bring Anthony Knockaert back to England in January 2016 has proved to be an inspired one. The playmaker has been a key reason for Chris Hughton’s side’s success in recent times, scoring 13 and contributing 7 assists since his return. The Brighton star also played a crucial role in Leicester’s promotion campaign three years ago – and look what happened after that. The 25-year-old is in even better form than he managed for the Foxes.
If the Seagulls’ 2017 is to look as bright, it will surely be largely down to the Frenchman’s form.
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