A former Sunderland youth-teamer and Lucas Radebe’s long-term heir: the Championship is the place to be for radio-blocking bargains.
What was it Sir Alex Ferguson used to say? ‘Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles?’ Even in an increasingly sophisticated modern game, where attacking approaches feel more pluralistic than ever, that old stat still rings true.
After all, none of the last seven Championship champions conceded over a goal a game on average and, while the second tier crown is a little beyond the reach of Leeds, Brentford, Barnsley and Reading, their fine start to the season owes much to the blocking and battling of their new found defensive lynchpins.
Pontus Jansson – Leeds United
Pontus Jansson’s magic, you know. Some say he’s got a magic hat, at which you definitely should not hurl bricks for fear of formidable consequences. So the rather baffling chant goes anyway.
That the iron-headed Swede is already being mentioned in the same breath as Lucas Radebe and Dominic Matteo is testament to his influence on a previously porous Leeds backline. Garry Monk’s resurgent Whites conceded nine goals in four games prior to his debut and just four in six since. The stats speak for themselves.
Andy Yiadom – Barnsley
While the likes of Huddersfield Town and Bristol City have been held up as the example of how to scour and scout the market on a minimal budget, Barnsley have slipped somewhat under the radar. As has their 24-year-old left-back.
Picked up on a free from League Two Barnet, Andy Yiadom has taken like the proverbial feathered bird to its natural habitat this season, his sturdy defending and effective forays down the left flank inspiring Lee Johnson’s side to look beyond the staple of survival.
John Egan – Brentford
It’s no stretch to say Sunderland would welcome John Egan back with open arms right now. The Black Cats’ luck ran out when they splurged many millions on Papy Djilobodji, their former youth teamer (below, far right) has stepped up seamlessly in the second tier after being named in League One’s Team of the Season following an impressive campaign at Gillingham.
The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international has showcased his ability at the other end too, netting a brace on his home debut against Ipswich.
Joey Van Den Berg
Reading manager Jaap Stam may have been forgiven for feeling a little lost when he took his first steps into the alien world of English football’s second tier, so he brought a few home comforts to help him settle. However, the signing of countryman Joey Van Den Berg from Eredivisie side Heerenveen appears even more inspired now than it did initially.
Capable of flitting between midfield and defence with ease, the 30-year-old’s experience and comfort on the ball has helped Stam initiate his favoured possession-based philosophy at the Madejski.
Angus MacDonald
We weren’t exaggerating when we mentioned Barnsley’s ability to spot a bargain. In a swoop that would make even David Dickinson glow a little brighter than usual, the Tykes acted fast to secure the signature of Angus MacDonald from non-league Torquay United and have immediately reaped the rewards for their risk.
Alongside Marc Roberts, the former England-under 19 starlet’s aerial prowess and intelligent positioning has provided the platform for four-goal victories against the likes of Wolves, Rotherham already this season.
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