An ode to Danny Drinkwater
I’LL hold my hands and admit when I’ve wrongly been sceptical over a Reading signing – and Danny Drinkwater is one of those. After being left out in the cold at Stamford Bridge in recent years, going out on loan to Burnley, Aston Villa and most recently being shipped off to Turkey on a temporary spell, there were understandable concerns over his mindset as he arrived at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
His ability has never been doubted – he was a Premier League title-winner for a reason.
Not only has he come to Berkshire with the right attitude, but he’s also shown his Premier League class in the centre, stepping in admirably on his debut against Fulham and helping the Royals to record a vital away win at Craven Cottage.
The 31-year-old has performed consistently ever since that clash in west London and has no doubt played a big part in the Royals’ upturn in form since the previous international break.
His composure in the middle of midfield has also been vital both defensively and going forward.
Defensively, his ball retention skills have helped to take the sting out of the oppositions’ attacks at times and ensure the Berkshire outfit aren’t giving the ball away in dangerous areas.
And going forward, he has been instrumental in building attacks from the back, supplying the occasional sublime pass. With this, he will continue to play an important role in maximising Reading’s goal tally throughout 2021/22 and we will just be hoping he can remain fit over the next seven months or so.
Let’s not forget he’s also come in along with Tom Dele-Bashiru to provide some muchneeded competition at the heart of midfield.
Former loanee Alfa Semedo was decent enough during 2020/21, but Drinkwater and Dele-Bashiru have been upgrades.
There does seem to be a divide in how he’s viewed by sections of the fanbase, I believe those on the more critical side will view him very differently if he can maintain his current performance levels and get himself in and amongst the goals.
This consistency will be key. But for now, I must hold my hands up, say I was wrong on him and give him all the plaudits he deserves.
More of the same please, Mr Drinkwater.