Brazilian lynchpin ticks all the boxes

ALI Al-Hamadi was not best pleased by his Ipswich teammate Sam Morsy's omission from the Championship Team of the Season.

- Chris Dunlavy

"Ridiculous," wrote the Iraq international on X, but there are two very good reasons why Morsy didn't make the cut.

One is Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who can probably count himself unlucky not to have won the Player of the Season award after contributing 12 goals and 13 assists to Leicester's promotion charge.

The other is Gabriel Sara. The Brazilian may not play for a top-three team but he is undoubtedly a top-three player, whose consistent excellence has stood in stark contrast to the fluctuating form of the Norwich side he represents.

"Some of Gabi's performances are average and others are above average but he is never really below par," said Canaries boss David Wagner. "He is an outstanding player, not only for us but in this division - no one has a doubt about this. It's crystal clear."

Sara's late winner against Preston last weekend was his 12th goal of the season and he is one of just three players alongside Dewsbury-Hall and Southampton striker Adam. Armstrong to have registered double figures for both goals and assists (11) this term.

For all the impressive returns, though, Sara's great strength lies in his ability to do a little bit of everything, and do it all very well.