Jordan Houghton has been named in the EFL Team of the Week for Matchday 21.
Houghton starred in an unorthodox central defensive position on Saturday, helping the Dons keep an 11th clean sheet of the campaign en route to their 2-0 victory over Carlisle United at Stadium MK.
His biggest contribution, though, came at the top end of the pitch as he opened the scoring with a long-range effort - his second goal of the season.
Houghton is the second successive MK Dons player to feature in the EFL Team of the Week, following Alex Gilbey’s inclusion for his two-goal display in the win over Morecambe.
EFL Team of the Week for Matchday 21:
Goalkeeper
Grant Smith – Stevenage v Lincoln City
Was arguably the man of the match for the winning Imps, who won for the first time in three games. Smith was tested regularly in the Lincoln goal and made a flurry of good saves to help retain the three points for Lincoln
Defence
Luke Leahy – Walsall v Coventry City
Leahy scored twice in dramatic fashion in the final minutes to give his team a last gasp win at the Bescott Stadium. He scored a powerful header in stoppage time and then held his nerve to slot away a penalty with virtually the last kick of the game.
Chris Basham– Reading v Sheffield United
Looked very solid yet again at the back for the Blades. Led the line well and limited Reading to virtually no chances as United secured back to back wins and consecutive clean sheets, to take them 3rd.
Jordan Houghton – MK Dons v Carlisle United
A rock at the back for the high-flying Dons as they continued on their impressive run to stay top of the table. Houghton broke the deadlock with just his second goal of the season and helped marshal a resolute Dons defence.
Midfield
CJ Hamilton –Mansfield Town v Notts County
He’s in TOTW again! The Stags midfielder has been integral to their current unbeaten run in the league, controlling the midfield once again here. His brace was the difference on Saturday and he looked a class apart at times.
Mario Vrančić –Norwich City v Bolton Wanderers
Opened the scoring for the Canaries with a sumptuous 20-yarder and turned provider for Marco Stiepermann to double the lead in the first half. A man of the match contender for the home side as they won yet again.
Mallik Wilks – Bristol Rovers v Doncaster Rovers
Showed his poacher instincts in front of goal and deserves his place in the TOTW for his team ethic as well. Was everywhere on Saturday as Rovers romped to a 4-0 win at Bristol. Now has six goals and three assists for the season.
Jack Payne – Plymouth Argyle v Bradford City
Helped earn the Bantams a deserved point at Plymouth Argyle with his two goals and has been in terrific form in recent weeks.
Forwards
Freddie Ladapo – Plymouth Argyle v Bradford City
Scored twice and set up another for Argyle as they fought back to earn themselves a share of the spoils at Home Park. Ladapo was in a class of his own up against the Bantams defence.
Anwar El Ghazi– West Bromwich Albion v Aston Villa
His stunning 25-yard strike nearly earnt Aston Villa maximum points in the Midlands derby. His stunning goal put them ahead, after he had opened the scoring with his deflected shoit in the first half. Was Villa’s best player and looked a threat throughout.
Lucas Joao – Sheffield Wednesday v Rotherham United
Scored a brace as Sheffield Wednesday struggled against Rotherham United. Joao was their standout performer though and the Owls had him to thank for a point. He took his goals superbly well.
Manager of the week
Richie Wellens – Swindon Town v Newport County
Masterminded Swindon Town to another massive win as they scored a penalty late on to secure their third consecutive victory. It’s been a mightily impressive start to proceedings for Wellens in life at the County Ground.
