Derby County central defender Curtis Davies has been named as the Football League World Fans' Championship Player of the Month for December.
The defender won the vote ahead of Middlesbrough’s Paddy McNair, Huddersfield’s Harry Toffolo, Blackburn’s John Buckley, Nottingham Forest’s Lewis Grabban and AFC Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke.
The 36-year-old has been in inspired form all season and has yet to miss a minute of Derby’s 2021/22 league campaign so far.
In December, he helped the Rams earn two clean sheets as Wayne Rooney’s side won three of their four games during the month.
After a 1-0 defeat against Bristol City at Ashton Gate, Derby responded with back-to-back clean sheets in wins against Blackpool and West Bromwich Albion, whilst their final game of 2021 ended in victory, too.
Goals from Luke Plange and Colin Kazim-Richards saw Derby beat Stoke City 2-1 at the bet365 Stadium as Rooney’s side moved in to double figures in the Sky Bet Championship.
Davies’ form at the back has been a key component of Derby’s recent success and he won 24 aerial challenges during the month of December, while he was part of a side which only conceded two goals.
He has formed a healthy partnership with fellow experienced defender Phil Jagielka, whilst there has been stiff competition with Richard Stearman also impressing when called upon.
The recognition is highly deserved for Davies who is in his fifth full season at Pride Park Stadium. Despite suffering two long-term achilles injuries, Davies has made 129 appearances, scoring four goals, three of which have come in the current season.