Norwich dominate PFA Championship team of the year

Canaries sealed an instant return to the top flight in style, finishing six points clear at the top of the table

Norwich lift the Championship trophy (PA Wire)

Norwich’s domination of the 2020/21 Championship season was highlighted by having six players named in the PFA Championship team of the year.

The Canaries sealed an instant return to the Premier League in style, finishing six points clear at the top of the table with 97 points.

Goalkeeper Tim Krul defenders Max Aarons and Grant Hanley, playmaker Emiliano Buendia, Tottenham loanee Oliver Skipp and striker Teemu Pukki were all recognised by their peers and voted into the divisional team.

Aarons is rated as one of the top young right-backs in the country and was a stand-out player throughout the season, Buendia is expected to attract interest from other clubs after scoring 15 goals and making 16 more, Skipp is primed to challenge for a first-team spot at Spurs and Pukki bagged 26 goals.

Brentford’s maiden rise to the Premier League, which came via the play-offs, was arguably the story of the season and the Bees had three representatives in the side.

Striker Ivan Toney, whose 33 goals and 10 assists fired Thomas Frank’s side to glory, centre-half Ethan Pinnock and left-back Rico Henry all feature after excellent seasons.

Blackburn striker Adam Armstrong was also recognised by his colleagues after a fine campaign, scoring 26 goals in a mid-table team.

French midfielder Michael Olise, who plays for Reading, was also named after a breakthrough season, aged just 19.

PA