Championship Central Midfielder of the Season: Jonathan Hogg

Jonathan doesn’t Hogg the limelight

Injuries have been major problem that have previously threatened to derail Jonathan Hogg’s career. At Bristol City last time out, it returned at the most unwelcome of times.

Unwelcome not just for Hogg, but for Huddersfield Town, who have picked up just 11 points from the eight games he has missed. The three wins were narrow victories, two of which over the division’s bottom two. By contrast, the three defeats were arguably the worst of the campaign.

In October’s 5-0 thrashing at Fulham, it is hard to see Tom Cairney running riot in midfield had Hogg been present. Granted, the 2-0 loss at Sheffield Wednesday was largely down to wasteful first half finishing and Jack Payne’s second half dismissal. Then there was the game at Bristol City, which saw Hogg pick up an injury in the opening exchanges, before Huddersfield lost 4-0.

With Hogg in the side, arguably the only time the Terriers have been beaten convincingly was the 3-1 loss at Preston back in October. The ball-winner’s energy, aggression and commitment make him perfect for David Wagner’s high intensity pressing game. Those qualities go some way to ensuring his side are almost always in a game.

The reason The Football Lab has selected Jonathan Hogg as the Huddersfield player in the Championship Team of the Season (only one per club), is because of his clear influence on performances. This is not a criticism of Aaron Mooy, who is wonderfully talented. The Australian controls the tempo of the games, plays pin-point passes into the final third and can get stuck in too. Instead, it is more a reflection on Huddersfield’s squad.

If Mooy was to become unavailable, as was the case against Ipswich in January, one would have confidence in Phillip Billing’s capacity to dominate a midfield and create openings. Hogg’s recent injury means Billing may instead have to cover a role he is less comfortable with, or veteran Dean Whitehead will come into the side. Neither of the aforementioned players have the skillset to do Hogg’s job to quite the same effect.

Mooy has rightly been given plenty of plaudits. Hogg has a more subtle but equally important influence on the team’s structure and overall performance level. It might take the latter’s injury for that to be fully recognized in the eyes of the neutral.