As is usually the case, December was an action-packed month in the Championship due to the congested festive schedule.
It may have been busy but there were some fantastic individual performers and six of them have been shortlisted for the GMS Fans’ Player of the Month award for December.
But who deserves to win it? We’ve taken a closer look at their exploits to help you decide who to back…
Asmir Begovic – Bournemouth
It’s easy to concentrate on attacking firepower when watching the Cherries but their experienced goalkeeper has been excellent this term and he showcased his quality in December.
Begovic kept five clean sheets last month and highlighted what a valuable asset a shot-stopper of his quality will be to Bournemouth’s promotion push.
Krystian Bielik – Derby County
The Rams started to turn their fortunes around in December and the return of Bielik was a key factor.
The powerful Poland international was ever-present in Derby’s starting XI, helping them take control of games from midfield and driving the side – that have often looked lacking in attacking impetus this season – forward.
His finest display came in the 4-0 hammering of Birmingham City, grabbing a goal and scooping a well-deserved man of the match award.
Emi Buendia – Norwich City
Daniel Farke’s side remain top of the league and that is in no small part due to Buendia’s wizardry.
Just as he did last time they were in the Championship, the Canaries playmaker has produced some dazzling performances this term and he was at his best last month.
The 24-year-old showcased his quality as both a goalscorer and a creator, finding the net four times and providing two assists, illustrating just why Premier League teams continue to be linked.
Sergi Canos – Brentford
Canos has been one of the players trusted to fill the void left by the summer departures of Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma – and in December the Spaniard reminded us that he has the quality to do just that.
The winger scored four times and added two assists as Brentford went unbeaten last month, including a match-winning hat-trick in the 3-2 win against Cardiff City.
If he can continue that form into 2021, it will be a huge boost to the Bees’ promotion hopes.
Michal Helik – Barnsley
The Tykes continued their impressive rise up the table in December, winning six of their eight games as they closed the gap on the play-off places, and Helik proved a key player in both boxes.
The 20-year-old summer signing has shown a maturity beyond his years with his resolute performances at the heart of Barnsley’s defensive line and proved himself a match-winner on Boxing Day, scoring twice as Ismael Valerien’s side beat Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town.
Glen Rea – Luton Town
Luton have exceeded expectations this term and Nathan Jones’ men claimed some hugely impressive scalps in December, coming away with victories against Norwich City, Bristol City, and Preston North End.
Rea’s brilliance in midfield was a constant in those wins, which also saw him grab a goal and an assist, and he consistently impressed for the Hatters throughout the month.