Defence proves just as important as attack on regular occasions in the Championship with many teams basing their rise to the top on defensive solidarity such as Middlesbrough's rise last year and Burnley's promotion a year previous.

This raises the question who are the six best centre backs in the Championship, FLW reporter Michael Hasan has selected FIVE of the best central defenders in the second tier.

Your defence can either make or break your season, and having a leaky defence that has no structure or organisation can ultimately lead to teams getting relegated.

Do you agree with the selections? Or would you add someone different to our list? Well, you can have your say in the comments section below!

[ffc-gallery]

PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE CENTRE-BACKS

[/ffc-gallery]

 

Michael Dawson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hull's leader on the field and rock at the back, the former England international has created an effective partnership with fellow centre Alex Bruce, who many Hull fans may feel deserve this spot more.

Hull have the meanest defence in the league so far this year and it's easy to see why with players of Dawson's quality at the back.

With Curtis Davies on standby in case injury hits which it regularly does to Dawson, which perhaps stopped him from reaching the very top of the game.

If they are to finish with the meanest defence in the league it will be mainly down to Dawson who shows immense leadership qualities, and it will take a top striker to get the better of him or Bruce this season.

Jason Shackell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The former Burnley centre back had a reputation of being the best centre back in the Championship in the year Burnley earned promotion.

Their promotion was built on a solid base of defence, conceding only 37 goals and part of the best defence in the Championship alongside Ben Mee and Kieran Trippier.

It was perhaps a surprise then when Burnley sold him to promotion rivals Derby after their relegation last year.

Many people agree that the main reason Derby have failed to gain promotion in recent years is a defence who leak too many goals at important times.

Keogh has never found a consolidated partner until now. Shackell brings a certain maturity to the back line and invaluable experience and unquestionable leadership alongside captain Keogh.

Derby's recent form suggest Shackell's addition is working a treat with the recent glut of clean sheets they are keeping, and if Derby are to finally to go up this year it will be partly down to Shackell and the improved Derby defence.

Michael Keane

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The former England U21 was signed on a permanent deal from Manchester United in the summer with big boots to fill.

The departure of Jason Shackell and Kieran Trippier left gaping holes in the Burnley defence and many thought that Dyche and his defensive masterclasses would be a thing of the past.

But already, Keane has filled in for Shackell brilliantly and Burnley already have one of the most watertight defences in the division, with youngster Michael Keane at the heart of it.

Burnley may not need to base their game around defence this season as Andre Gray is on fire and bagging plenty of goals but a defensive solidarity, will give them an advantage over rivals and if Keane keeps up his prolific partnership with Ben Mee, then Burnley will hope for an immediate return to the top flight.

Daniel Ayala

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In my opinion the best centre back in the Championship, was part of the best defence last year at Middlesbrough who conceded only 37 goals, and also have conceded only nine this season.

Ayala is a big part of this success along with England U21 Ben Gibson who is very unfortunate to not make the list.

The Spaniard is dominant in the air and rarely loses an aerial duel and is a menace at set pieces, which he proved at the weekend with a well taken headed goal against beleaguered Charlton.

He was also crucial to the clean sheets kept by keeper Konstantopoulos including ones at Manchester United and Manchester City.

Undoubtedly a Premier League quality player, and Middlesbrough fans hope he will play in it next season for them rather than a big money move to someone else in the summer.

Tom Lees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Wednesday man has been in imperious form since his move from Leeds with partner Loovens, and had the second best defence in the league last year.

Wednesday and Lees have also proved very impressive so far this year with an incredible performance against Arsenal the highlight.

An outcast at Leeds, Lees has been a revelation at Wednesday and is perhaps one of the best centre backs outside the Premier League.

He will be perhaps eyeing a move there in the summer or he could get there with Wednesday if their current form continues as it does seem, Wednesday could be on there way back and this is mainly built around their solid defence in which Lees is the heart of.

There are many honourable mentions who don't quite make the list, like Danny Batth at Wolves who has proved inconsistent this season in a very leaky Wolves defence and Michael Morrison crucial to Rowett's revolution at Birmingham.

So what do you make of my list, anyone more deserving of a place on the list? Leave thoughts and opinions below!