Ben Brereton Diaz claims Championship September awards

Blackburn’s Ben Brereton Diaz has been named Championship Player of the Month for September.

A summer away with Chile appears to have given Brereton Diaz the missing piece to his game. Six goals, including a hat-trick against Cardiff, and an assist were claimed with a willingness to beat defenders and add a flourish to his finishing.

Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray said: “Ben’s contribution last month, and during the start to the season as a whole, has been a real bonus to the team, especially with the loss of Adam Armstrong and Harvey Elliott, who scored the bulk of the goals for us last season.

“Somebody needed to step up and I think Ben Brereton has done just that. We haven’t altered his position, he’s not playing right down the middle, he’s coming in off the left-hand side and he’s shown how potent he can be by coming in onto his right foot and getting in the six-yard box and scoring lots of different types of goals.

READ ALSOMikel Arteta named Premier League manager of the month

“He’s scored some headers, he’s bent a few in on his right foot, he’s scored some tap-ins, he’s scored some penalties, he’s done very well and hopefully when he returns from the international break he can keep it going.”

“Never previously considered a prolific goal threat, he’s added a ruthless streak to his game this season, contributing to Blackburn’s overall assault on the Championship with six goals in September.