Reading’s first outing under new manager Ruben Selles proved to be a struggle as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat to League Two Sutton.
The loss punctuated a week which had delivered some good news for the Royals, with the club finally liberated from its transfer embargo and finally able to officially announce Harvey Knibbs and Ruben Selles.
With the Spaniard still finding his feet and more signings expected to be announced, here are three, albeit premature, talking points from Reading’s second pre-season fixture.
Selles sticks to his shape
Reading started in a 4-2-2-2, the same formation used by Sunderland under Selles’ stewardship last season. Luke Amos and Sam Hutchinson adopted the central midfield berth with Harvey Knibbs and trialist Olamide Shodipo deployed as narrow attacking midfielders.
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan and Femi Azeez led the line for the opening hour and the traditional big man-small man routine seemed to work well, supported by Knibbs and Shodipo who made up a dynamic front four.
A younger side was called upon on the hour mark and continued to deploy the same template, highlighting Selles’ commitment to the formation.
Trialist Watch: The real R’s
A lack of shirt numbers made keeping tabs on trialists tough, but five of the seven trialists were identified as: Luke Amos, Olamide Shodipo, Tivonge Rushesha, Jayden Wareham and Tylor Bindon.
Amos and Shodipo, both of whom were released by QPR in the summer, were included in the starting complement of ‘senior’ players and put in decent shifts.
Amos appeared tidy and was willing to bring the ball forward. He could have got on the scoresheet with a header late in the first half but just missed the target. If Hutchinson starts in midfield, Selles will want to pair him up with a partner of his ilk.
An energetic display from Shodipo was underpinned by his desire to cut in from the left onto his right foot, which helped create several opportunities. Certainly one to keep an eye on.
The remaining trialists did their utmost to impress, but none really stood out.
Defensive frailties: Does Dorsett deserve a chance?
The Royals conceded two goals in two minutes, which is unacceptable at any level of the game, friendly or not.
A lack of concentration allowed a Sutton trialist to open the scoring before Lee Angol was afforded far too much space to get his shot away for the second goal.
The Royals faithful has gotten used to seeing the two Toms at the heart of defence, but fellow Academy graduate Jeriel Dorsett could be in with a shout of a starting opportunity. The defender put in a solid performance after the switcharound on the hour mark.
