The EFL Championship season is now at the business end but before the play-off and relegation places are confirmed, what would the team of the season look like?
To work this out, I will be using the latest SofaScore ratings to work out what the current Championship team of the season would be if the campaign were to end now, rather than in a couple of months.
In order to include as many of the higher-rated players, I have opted to use a 3-4-3 formation, based solely on the number of forwards that currently occupy themselves within the top ten places according to the latest SofaScore ratings.
One question you may be wondering is, is there a criteria that a player needs to meet to be considered? The answer to that is yes, for players to be selected in this squad they will need to have played at least 60% of the total number of EFL Championship minutes that their respective side has played so far this season.
Due to the strict criteria, there are several surprise exclusions including Blackburn’s Sammie Szmodics and Coventry’s Ben Sheaf.
I have also covered League One, League Two and the National League so far and now it’s time for the Championship.
With that being said, let’s take a look at the 2023/24 EFL Championship team of the season so far according to SofaScore…
Goalkeeper: Viktor Johansson (7.29)
You may be surprised to see this, but Rotherham United goalkeeper Viktor Johansson is currently the best-performing goalkeeper in the Championship, despite his side sitting at rock bottom of the division.
The Swedish international currently averaged 4.1 saves per game, preventing an eye-watering 3.49 goals, which makes you question just how far behind the Millers would’ve been if it wasn’t for their number one.
Defender: Kyle Walker-Peters (7.37)
Beginning the defensive trio is Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters, who has averaged a match rating of 7.37 so far this season and sits sixth in the entire division.
The 26-year-old has contributed to four goals so far this season but has had an average pass success rate of 91% whilst also providing 1.1 key passes per game, earning him a place in this XI.
Defender: Jacob Greaves (7.33)
Continuing the back three is Hull City’s Jacob Greaves, a player who has been a breath of fresh air for the Tigers this season with an average rating of 7.33.
Contributing to five goals in 34 league matches, Greaves has been a rock for the Tigers. He has also kept nine clean sheets so far, averaging 4.5 ball recoveries and 4.5 clearances and has been an unsung hero for Liam Rosenior’s side.
Defender: Leif Davis (7.32)
I couldn’t compile this list without including the Championship’s assist king Leif Davis, slotting just inside the top ten with a rating of 7.32.
Davis has provided 12 assists for Ipswich Town so far this season, averaging 2.9 key passes and 11 big chance creations, which are statistics an attacking midfielder would be happy with – let alone a wing-back.
Midfielder: Crysencio Summerville (7.86)
Beginning the midfield is the Championship’s best performer so far in the form of Leeds United’s Crysencio Summerville, who has an average rating of 7.86.
The winger has scored 15 goals for Leeds so far, assisting an additional eight and averages 2.9 key passes per match and it’s easy to see why he makes this list, no further explanation required.
Midfielder: Jack Clarke (7.76)
Sunderland’s Jack Clarke is next to feature in this XI, averaging a match rating of 7.76 over the course of the Championship season so far.
Despite the Black Cats sitting outside of the play-off battle, Clarke has contributed to 19 goals whilst averaging 2.4 key passes per game and dribbles his way onto the list.
Midfielder: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (7.72)
It wouldn’t be a Championship team of the season if Leicester City had zero entries, beginning with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall who’s averaged a rating of 7.72.
The midfielder has contributed to 22 goals in 34 appearances for the Foxes so far, making the team of the week on nine occasions and has been at the heart of Leicester’s title push.
Midfielder: Gabriel Sara (7.59)
Potentially a surprise inclusion but Norwich City’s Gabriel Sara is the fourth highest-performing midfielder in the league and sits fourth in the entire division too.
With seven goals, nine assists and 2.6 key passes per game so far, Sara beats the likes of Dan James and Sammie Szmodics to the final midfield spot in this list.
Forward: Abdul Fatawu (7.43)
Moving onto the forwards Leicester City’s Abdul Fatawu takes his place, with an average match rating of 7.43 over the course of the season so far.
The 19-year-old has nine assists and three goals to his name since joining on loan from Sporting CP, whilst also creating 24 big chances and is a deserving member of the XI.
Forward: Georginio Rutter (7.36)
Leeds United’s Georginio Rutter is next on the list, boasting an average rating of 7.36 which places him seventh in the division.
Contributing to 17 goals in 34 league games is a statistic that best highlights why Rutter has made the squad, especially as he’s been one of Leeds’ brightest attackers thus far.
Forward: Morgan Whittaker (7.33)
Completing the team is one of the Championship’s brightest talents in the form of Plymouth Argyle’s Morgan Whittaker who narrowly beats Southampton’s Adam Armstrong.
Whittaker has 17 goals and seven assists so far this season for the Pilgrims. Costing just one million pounds, is he the signing of the season?
What are your thoughts on this list? Let us know on Twitter @LSMSportsNews and/or @CallumLSM.