Sergi scored four goals in the month, including a memorable hat-trick on Boxing Day against Cardiff City. He also contributed a further three assists in Brentford's eight Championship games. And that was enough to earn him a nomination for the award.

Brentford had a fine December, winning five of eight games and taking 18 points as they remained unbeaten across the month. Sergi played in all eight of those games and started six of them. He also played, and set up the winning goal for Josh Dasilva, as The Bees beat Newcastle United in a Carabao Cup Quarter Final.

Sergi started the month by winning a penalty as The Bees beat Rotherham United and days later he scored his first goal for more than 18 months in a 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers. He set up a goal in the win against Nottingham Forest and then again in the win over Reading before crossing for Dasilva to score the winner against Newcastle. On Boxing Day he scored a brilliant hat-trick in the win at Cardiff City.

Sergi was up against midfield player Krystian Bielik, of Derby County, Norwich City attacker Emiliano Buendía and Middlesbrough striker Duncan Watmore for the award. And it was Boro's Watmore with five goals in six games who took the prize.

The judging panel for the Sky Bet Player of the Month comprises Sky Sports’ EFL expert Don Goodman, EFL Communications Director Mark Rowan and Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies.