We take a look at the players’ performances in the 3-0 win over Burton on Saturday, which also saw us line-up in an unfamiliar 3-5-2 system.
We take a look at the players’ performances in the 3-0 win over Burton on Saturday, which also saw us line-up in an unfamiliar 3-5-2 system.
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Ali Al-Habsi – 6 – A rare, quiet afternoon for the Royals keeper, who did everything he needed to do well enough.
Paul McShane – 6 – Another solid game from the skipper, who played on the right-side of the defensive three. Was rarely troubled by Burton’s strikers and Gunter had Dyer marked out the game.
Liam Moore – 6 – As per above, another solid game from the ever-impressive Moore. He wasn’t bullied by the physicality of O’Grady and won his fair share of headers against him.
Tyler Blackett – 7 – While many praise the summer signing of Moore, maybe Blackett is going a little unnoticed, but he is having a great impact. He looked very natural playing on the left side of the three and was composed on the ball as ever.
Chris Gunter – 6 – The Welsh international got up and down the pitch in familiar fashion, having done the job for Wales many times. It allowed him to keep the pacey Dyer pinned in his own half and even when he was faced up against him, he had no issues with his directness.
George Evans – 6 – Quiet yet efficient performance from Evans, who seemed to work well with Williams.
Danny Williams – 7 – Certainly one of Williams’ better games this campaign, looking energetic in midfield and showed the willingness to take on players to drive the team forward.
Jordan Obita – 8 – Man of the match – It’s almost as if we’ve got the Obita back from two seasons ago! A great performance, playing a big part in both goals in the first half and looked a threat constantly when he had space on the left.
Roy Beerens – 7 – There have been criticisms in recent weeks that Roy has been anonymous in games, he was far from that in this one. It was his neat play that set up Samuel and while he didn’t do anything else of note, he was seeing plenty of the ball in a free role behind the strikers and it was good to see.
Garath McCleary – 6 – GMac played in a less familiar central striker role alongside Samuel, but his pace was key in getting us up the pitch. Should have had scored at least two, but a decent performance nonetheless.
Dominic Samuel – 7 – With Kermorgant injured, fans would have been hoping Samuel could step up and he did just that. Good anticipation for his goal and looked a threat all afternoon. He is still rough round the the edges, but a very encouraging showing from the academy graduate.
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Yakou Meite – 7 – Another lively cameo from the powerful forward, who will want to claim the third goal, but won’t get it! Still, he earned it with some good play – he is certainly knocking on the door for a start in the side.
Joseph Mendes – 5 – It was good to see the big striker back from injury, but he couldn’t get into the game.
Liam Kelly – N/A – The young midfielder wasn’t on long enough to make an impact.
