Top 5: 2015/16 Championship Players of the Season

2) Daniel Ayala (Middlesbrough)

Daniel Ayala has been an impressive performer in the centre of Boro’s defence this term. Photo: Simon Stacpoole/Offside.

Ayala is the rock in Middlesbrough’s defence and after a somewhat tricky start to life in England, the Spaniard is now starting to fulfill the potential that he showed as a youngster in Spain.

The 25-year-old made just 12 appearances in the top flight for Liverpool and Norwich and had been loaned out four times before signing for Boro in January 2014.

The Teesside outfit have conceded just 30 league goals this season, four fewer than any other team in the Football League, and their record with Ayala starting is even more impressive: 34 games, 20 goals conceded.

The centre-back has a bright future and if Middlesbrough can overcome Brighton at the weekend, Ayala would finally be given a proper chance at making his mark on the Premier League.

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