How Sheffield Wednesday star Dominic Iorfa has taken his game to another level

Iorfa has blossomed at centre-back and played every minute of Championship football for the Owls since receiving a late first-team call up at the end of August.

His outstanding performances at the back culminated in him claiming the club's November player of the month award. Iorfa bagged 62 per cent of the supporters' vote, with Steven Fletcher finishing second and Barry Bannan third.

Quick, athletic and powerful, Iorfa has predominantly played at right-back in his career.

But the 24-year-old's positional change has undoubtedly brought the best out of him.

On Iorfa's prize, Monk told The Star: "I am delighted for Dom. I think his attitude towards what has been asked of him has been first class.

"When I came here, I looked at him and thought his strongest position is centre-back with his attributes and physicality.

"It is great that he can play as a full-back and even as a midfielder at certain times.

"I just felt looking at him his strongest position would be centre-back.

"The key is to give players a clear position to compete for. I think that is what is really clear. It is great they know they can fill in places but you want to give them a main aim of 'this is your position that you are competing for'."

Competition for places is fierce in defence, with Iorfa, Tom Lees and Julian Börner vying for two spots.

Iorfa and Lees acquitted themselves well in Saturday's 3-1 victory at Charlton Athletic. The pair worked well in tandem, winning their fair share of aerial duels and making a number of important clearances as the Addicks poured forward in numbers late on.

But Börner is pushing for a recall after serving a one-match suspension for collecting five yellow cards. The German player has been one of their standout performers this term, leaving boss Garry Monk with a big selection quandary ahead of their home encounter with Brentford.

"What am I very pleased about is we have got a number of centre-halves at this moment in time," acknowledged Monk. "Julian, Tom Lees and Dom is such a competitive three.

"They are pushing each other on to be better. They know one slip or if they take their foot off the gas that there is someone right there to take their place.

"We have got the other ones behind that who are competing as well."

Monk admits he is happy with Iorfa's form and work ethic.

"I have been delighted with Dom but he knows as well as me that his job is to stay focused on what he is doing," said Monk.

"He has got that bit between his teeth at the moment.

"I think he is enjoying trying to prove himself at centre-back.

"He is doing it with a good attitude, not just in the matches but every day in training."

Does Iorfa possess the qualities to play at the highest level?

Monk said: "He can go as far as he wants.

"I say it to every player; you can go as far as you want if you are willing to put the work in and show the right attitude.

"He [Iorfa] has the attributes to do it.

"Right now, I think it is about simplifying things for Dom. Having one role to focus on makes it clearer for him.

"Centre-back is where he wants to play and where he thinks he should be. He wants to prove himself there."

Given Iorfa has delivered a string of accomplished displays at the heart of Wednesday's rearguard, it may not be long before the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man attracts Premier League interest.

Asked if he thinks Wednesday could face a fight to keep hold of Iorfa when the transfer window reopens next month, Monk replied: "No, not at all. He is committed.

"He is the type of player you want to try and build a dynamic team around.

"He is dynamic, his attitude is great and he is a good age.

"He has got a long way to go. He has a lot of things to improve on but what he is doing is showing a great appetite for it. He needs to continue in that way."