Skip to content

Sky Bet Championship stats XI of November: Wolves dominate team of the month

Another month gone in the Sky Bet Championship and November certainly saw Wolves strengthen their position as title favourites.

As such, Nuno's charges dominate the best XI, according to WhoScored.com's statistical ratings...

Goalkeeper: John Ruddy (Wolves) - 7.37

While Wolves made a raft of eye-catching signings in the summer, the free transfer of Ruddy went largely unnoticed. But the former Norwich goalkeeper is beginning to make an impact for the league leaders. Conceding just twice in four matches last month, the 31-year-old made some notable stops, while only two 'keepers made more per game in November (3.5) to prove that Wolves owe as much to their No 1 as they do to their plethora of attacking stars.

Right back: Jordan Spence (Ipswich) - 7.68

Spence starred for an Ipswich side who continue to perform above expectations in November. The Tractor Boys lost just one of five league fixtures last month, and it was perhaps no coincidence that the defeat was the one game the defender missed in November. The 27-year-old registered three assists in his four appearances from the back and scored a late equaliser at Hull.

Jordan Spence in action during the Sky Bet Championship match against Leeds United at Elland Road
Image: Jordan Spence impressed for Ipswich

Centre back: Willy Boly (Wolves) - 7.90

Returning to the side following injury, on-loan centre back Willy Boly took no time to get back up to speed last month. His physical presence helped the favourites to keep clean sheets against Fulham and Reading and he produced 23 tackles and interceptions combined - the sixth most in the division. With a goal in the most recent rout over Bolton, Boly is one player Wolves will no doubt be keen to tie down to a permanent deal in the New Year.

Centre back: Bruno Ecuele Manga (Cardiff) - 7.70

The Bluebirds continue to fly high in the Championship owing much to an excellent defensive record, and the versatility of Manga has been key to that. At home playing at the heart of a four, the right of a three or even at right full-back - as he did to great effect last month - the Gabon international helped Cardiff keep three consecutive clean sheets in November, registering an assist in the 2-0 win over Brentford.

Also See:

Left back: Barry Douglas (Wolves) - 8.05

Another summer signing that flew under the radar given the high profile additions of Ruben Neves and Diogo Jota, Douglas has proven to be an extremely shrewd addition for Wolves. The Scot has had a curious career path, now in the Black Country via Poland and Turkey, but is really making his mark in England's second tier. Well suited to the left wing-back role in Nuno's system, the 28-year-old registered three assists in as many appearances last month - taking his tally to seven for the season - and scored in the 4-1 win over Leeds.

Wolverhampton Wanderers' Barry Douglas celebrates after opening the scoring against Leeds
Image: Wolverhampton Wanderers' Barry Douglas celebrates after opening the scoring against Leeds

Right midfield: Ivan Cavaleiro (Wolves) - 8.14

The surviving member of the Wolves attack from the previous campaign, Cavaleiro knows he has to fight for a place in the side given the competition in the ranks but he has done that. The Portuguese scored four goals in as many appearances last month to ensure compatriot Helder Costa has to be content with a place on the bench for the time being, with WhoScored.com man-of-the-match ratings against Leeds (8.69) and Bolton (8.85).

Central midfield: Joey van den Berg (Reading) - 7.73

Another player who offers great value to his side due to his versatility, Van den Berg played both in midfield and at centre back last month and was crucial to clean sheets against Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley. Pushed further forward against the latter having played at the back when facing the Owls, the Dutchman opened his campaign for the season in a comfortable 3-0 win as the Royals began to find some form.

Joey van den Berg scores Reading's second goal in the Championship match against Barnsley
Image: Joey van den Berg scored Reading's second goal in the Championship match against Barnsley

Central midfield: Romain Saiss (Wolves) - 7.64

Another of the handful of players to keep their place from last season under the new regime at Molineux, Saiss offers a defensive balance in an otherwise attacking line-up and is key to the starting XI in that sense. The 27-year-old did get in on the act in the final third with a goal against Fulham last month, though, while making 11 interceptions and averaging 61.5 passes per game.

Left midfield: Albert Adomah (Aston Villa) - 7.97

The catalyst to Aston Villa's surge up the table following a poor start to the campaign, Adomah has proven an unlikely replacement for Jonathan Kodjia's goal threat, and all from the left wing. The former Boro winger has now racked up 10 league goals in 12 starts, five of which came across as many appearances in November. With 16 tackles last month to boot, Adomah's industry and effectiveness has made him a key player to Steve Bruce where previously he seemed surplus to requirements.

Albert Adomah celebrates scoring Aston Villa's opening goal
Image: Albert Adomah celebrates scoring

Striker: Leo Bonatini (Wolves) - 7.45

With two goals and an assist last month, Bonatini's incredible consistency continued during November, having now had a hand in at least one goal in all but five of his 19 league appearances this season. The 23-year-old has been an exceptional find and another that Wolves will be desperate to sign on a permanent basis from Al-Hilal having registered more goals (11) and assists (5) combined than any other player in the league.

Striker: Leon Clarke (Sheffield United) - 8.67

A no-brainer for any Championship team of the month for November, Clarke was in frightening form up front for the Blades. Having scored a modest four goals previously, the 32-year-old struck nine in just four appearances to take his tally to a league leading 13. With all four goals in a 4-1 win over Hull and a hat-trick against Fulham just two weeks later, the Sheffield United striker was the most clinical in the country last month.
Leon Clarke celebrates after completing his hat-trick
Image: Leon Clarke scored nine goals in November

Around Sky