The Championship´s most influential midfielder?

Conor Hourihane is emerging as an increasingly important factor in Aston Villa's quest to return to the Premier League.  Last Saturday, the Irish midfielder was central to another Villans´ win - their seventh of 2018 - as Steve Bruce´s men came from behind twice to beat Sheffield Wednesday (2x4).

We have taken a closer look at how influential Hourihane has been throughout this season and last - and the answer is: very! In fact, no midfielder has been involved in more Championship goals since 2016/17 - Hourihane assisting his teammates (at Barnsley, as well as Villa, let's not forget) 16 times, in addition to finding the net 16 times himself. That's a direct involvement in 32 second tier goals over two seasons: a very decent return from a player who was released by Sunderland back in 2009/10. 

📈 Most involved in C'ship goals fr. 16/17 (MIDs):
32⚽️: 🔥@ConorHourihane (16G 16A)🔥
29⚽️: ADOMAH (16G 13A)
28⚽️: Johansen (17G 11A)
27⚽️: Cairney (14G 13A)
26⚽️: Lawrence (11G 15A)#AVFC @AVFCOfficial pic.twitter.com/dGIqz5SvMX

— playmakerstats (@playmaker_EN) 26 de febrero de 2018

His teammate Albert Adomah (16 goals and 13 assists) and Fulham's Stefan Johansen (17 goals and 11 assists) complete the 'Top Three' podium.

Next Saturday, Hourihane and Villa are set to take on Queens Park Rangers...will the Irish midfielder run rings around the Hoops?

For more great stats focused on the top 4 tiers of English football, make sure to check out our Playmaker Twitter account: @playmaker_EN.