Two horse race for player of the season

THIS TIME last year, I was thinking about how many good candidates Reading had for their annual player of the season vote. Top scorer Yann Kermorgant and goalkeeper extraordinaire Ali Al-Habsi were rightly two of the main options, but there were excellent contributions throughout the squad.

Danny Williams was the heartbeat of Reading’s midfield, while Liam Moore was a rock at the back.

It’s a damning verdict on this season that the Royals have – to deliberately misquote a saying – such an embarrassing lack of riches.

There has been neither a hotshot striker nor a heroic ‘keeper to take up the mantle of Kermorgant or Al-Habsi respectively.

Modou Barrow and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson are both rightly being discussed as the main candidates this time around but, let’s be honest, how would they match up against last season’s nominees? In truth, they’d do well to get into 2016/17’s top three.

Adjusted

Being fair to the attacking duo, they’ve both adjusted well to Berkshire life by being at the heart of most of the Royals’ attacking play. Barrow in particular has shone with his willingness to unleash his blinding pace, even when his team-mates have been distinctly below par.

Beyond him and the Icelander, are there any nominees at all? Not really, no – Liam Moore’s very late run of form isn’t enough to get him into the mix.

The winner of the vote is due to be announced before the final home game of the season against Ipswich on Saturday, April 28.

What about ‘most improved player of the season’? For me, Pelle Clement deserves praise here – after a torrid first half of the season, the Dutchman recovered well as the campaign went on, and looked increasingly at home in Reading’s first team.

Coming into a senior squad from Ajax’ academy was always going to be a tough challenge but, despite taking his time, he’s looking more and more comfortable.