After a miserable 17th place finish in the Championship last season, Reading have reclassified themselves this time around under the excellent tutelage of Jaap Stam. Having collected 67 points from 38 games, Stam’s troops are an undeniable contender for a promotion back to the Premier League. His men have gelled well together and have really clicked when it mattered and deserve to get a promotion to be honest.
Nonetheless, the Royals would have to keep their group cohesiveness intact and refrain from making any absurd transfer exodus in the summer transfer window. Irrespective of what transpires at the end of the season, Reading have to make sure they have a team up and ready to take on the challenges of another trying season, be it in the Premier League or the Championship. With that in mind, here are three players they cannot afford to lose out at the end of the season.
Chris Hunter
Time and again, Chris Gunter has been severely criticised by the Rangers’ faithful this season, but frankly speaking, he might not have been anything scintillating but hasn’t been too bad either. Under Stam’s regime, he is the only senior full-back and truckloads of experience possessed by a defender always reap benefits to the club.
The Welshman must not be struck off the books in the summer, for in 38 appearances so far in the Championship this season, he has bagged 1 goal, registered 41 tackles with a success rate of 47%, 43 interceptions, 145 clearances and 9 blocks which do advocate his calibre.
Yann Kermorgant
With a goal-tally which has already hit double figures, striker Yann Kermorgant is likely to be tempted for a move in the summer: something that should be thoroughly resisted by Reading. The 35-year-old, apart from banging 10 goals, has also registered 3 assists to his name which has helped the team a long way in their run this year.
He is clinical, holds the ball well up front and despite being in his mid-thirties, he still has the pace to outrun his opponents week in and week out.
Ali Al Habsi
One of the prime reasons for Reading’s solid performances so far this term could be traced to the spectacular form of their no. 1 goalkeeper, Ali Al Habsi. The Oman international has mustered 12 clean sheets in 38 appearances, making 117 saves in the process.
A thoroughly reliable man between the sticks, the 35-year-old has been making stupendous saves, commanding the backline like a genuine leader on the pitch and the Royals must retain hold over this veteran gladiator for the upcoming season as well irrespective of whether they get promoted or not.
Statistics Credits: Squawka.com
