Sky pundit explains 'reluctant' vote over Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips in best player debate

Sky Sports asked six of their EFL experts to pick their Championship player of the season including former Whites star and YEP columnist David Prutton.

Prutton, Scott Minto, Andy Hinchcliffe and Gary Weaver all opted to select Brentford striker Ollie Watkins though Prutton admitted Whites midfielder Phillips had been "brilliant" this term but that Watkins deserved extra credit for switching from a winger to thrive upfront.

Weaver also highlighted Phillips' contribution as "excellent" despite opting for 22-goal forward Watkins while Keith Andrews sided with West Brom's Matheus Pereira who with 12 assists sits joint top of the division's assists charts with Bristol City's Niclas Eliasson. Pereira also has six goals to his name.

Goodman, meanwhile, sided with the division's top scorer in Fulham forward Mitrovic, but said his decision was a "reluctant" choice because of the displays from Phillips.

"Scoring 23 goals in 34 games speaks for itself," said Goodman about Mitrovic.

"You look at West Brom and they have players chipping in from everywhere, but Fulham don't have that.

"He has scored 23 of their 52 goals, which is monumental.

"It shows how reliant they are on him and the massive burden on his shoulders, and that is why he is my Player of the Season.

"It is almost a reluctant choice as I really do believe Kalvin Phillips has been the best player in the league.

"They are both important to their sides but in different ways.

"But, as is tradition, strikers always get the glory. That is the way it has always been, and the way it always will be!"

Sky also conducted an online poll within their article asking fans to vote for their Championship player of the season and from over 3000 votes at 5pm, Phillips topped the poll with 37 per cent.