TALENTED TERRIER MOOY’S TOP OF MY LIST
OF THE three men vying to be named Championship player of the year, I’d argue only two deserve their place.
Though the award is skewed towards strikers, it is impossible to contest the inclusion of Chris Wood.
Leeds’ big striker has single-handedly shouldered the goal-scoring burden this season, netting an incredible 50 per cent of his side’s tally.
Every week, the Kiwi takes to the field knowing he is personally responsible for delivering three points. To have performed so consistently under that kind of pressure is quite a feat.
Much the same can be said of Brighton’s Anthony Knockaert. In a talented, tough but ultimately functional side, the Frenchman provides a weekly burst of inspiration and wizardry.
The man who once kept Riyad Mahrez out of the Leicester team consistently delivers.
And so we come to Dwight Gayle. With 21 goals in 25 games, the striker has had a stellar,if injury-hit, campaign.
But is he as influential as Knockaert or Wood? Most Newcastle fans would argue he hasn’t even been as instrumental as Jonjo Shelvey, his own team-mate.
Which is why my final spot would go to Aaron Mooy. Without the Aussie’s silky touch and effortless grace setting the tempo in midfield, the Terriers wouldn’t be half the side.
It would be a crime against football if Mooy isn’t playing in the Premier League next year. He is my player of the year.