Top 10 players in the Championship so far this season

For me, the Championship is one of the best leagues in the world.

I know that’s a pretty bold statement to make, but the division is full to the brim with quality players.

Steven Caulker of QPR – Photo: Charlotte Wilson / Offside.

And add to that, its crazy unpredictability, you are on to a winner and would challenge anyone to name a division that’s as exciting.

Taking this into account; I thought I would list, who I feel, are the top ten players in the Championship so far this season…

Robbie Brady – Norwich City

Photo: Mark Leech / Offside.

After some superb performances for Ireland at the Euros, I was surprised to see the Canaries hold on to the 24-year-old winger in the transfer window.

Combining pace and trickery, with a terrific work ethic, he also has a wand of a left foot which means he’s capable of scoring some special goals, as his beauty away at Wolves the other week proved.

Scott Hogan – Brentford

Photo: Mark Chapman / Brentford FC.

The 24-year-old striker endured an injury plagued start to life with the Bees, but he’s now starting to repay their faith with a blistering start to the current campaign.

Seven goals in eleven games has seen a whole host of scouts flock to see the striker in action, and they wouldn’t of been disappointed, with the current ‘Player of the Month’ producing some super clinical finishing of late.

Lewis Dunk – Brighton

Brighton defender, Dunk (Right) – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

For me, Dunk is the best central defender currently plying his trade in the division.

Commanding in the air, strong in the tackle and comfortable on the ball also, the 24-year-old is the complete package and what makes him extra special is that he also has a very keen eye for goal, boasting a scoring record in recent seasons that a midfielder would be proud of.

Nahki Wells – Huddersfield Town

I have always been an admirer off Wells, but it only seems recently, due to Huddersfield Town’s terrific start in the league, he is finally getting the credit he deserves.

The 26-year-old Bermuda international has thrived under new head coach David Wagner and is reaping the benefits of the German’s footballing philosophy, being at the forefront of most of the Terriers’ attacks.

Lee Tomlin – Bristol City

I don’t feel Tomlin got a fair crack at AFC Bournemouth, but their loss was Bristol City’s gain with the tricky forward playing a pivotal role in steering them away from the drop at the end of last season, and in their impressive start to this campaign.

He can skip past players with ease and is at times capable of producing breathtaking skill and scoring special goals, making him a very exciting player to watch.

Tom Cairney – Fulham

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Handed the armband in the absence of veteran Scott Parker, Fulham obviously realise they have a real talent at their disposal.

The 25-year-old box-to-box midfielder likes to get on the ball and get forward as much as possible. He has a keen eye for goal and is dangerous at set pieces also, making him a pivotal player for the Cottagers.

Wouldn’t be surprised if some bigger teams come sniffing.

Charlie Taylor – Leeds United

Photo: Paul Roberts / Offside.

Constant speculation throughout the summer definitely had a detrimental effect in the first few games of the season, but the 23-year-old left-back has been back to his best recently, reproducing form that saw Liverpool linked with him.

A solid defender primarily, Taylor is also very adapt when going forward.

Another super talented youngster the Yorkshire club have produced in recent times.

Fernando Forestieri – Sheffield Wednesday

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

With that ‘Messi-esque’ low centre of gravity, the 26-year-old attacker is arguably the division’s most technically gifted player and can on his day, be almost unplayable.

With two goals and two assists already this season, I fully expect both those tallies to hit double figures before the end of the season and for him to lead the Owls onto another productive campaign.

Conor Hourihane – Barnsley

Photo: Charlotte Wilson / Offside.

Barnsley’s skipper has probably been the division’s best performer so far.

The 25-year-old Irishman has made the step up from League One look seemingly effortless.

Composed on the ball, the vast majority of the Tykes attacks go through him, with the playmaker racking up five assists and three goals already this term, contributing greatly to Barnsley’s super start.

Jonjo Shelvey – Newcastle United

Photo: Charlotte Wilson / Offside.

Shelvey undoubtedly had a whole host of suitors in the summer, but he was quick to announce there was no relegation clause in his contract and that he would be helping the Magpies try and bounce back at the first attempt.

The 24-year-old dictates the play effortlessly due to his superb passing ability and he is very dangerous in front of goal as well, banging in three strikes already this season.

A real classy player.