Although the signing of Matt Miazga has been the most exciting signing so far at Reading this summer, there are also other things that Reading supporters can get excited about after monitoring the club's pre-season tour in Spain.
Jordan Holsgrove, who hasn't been heavily involved with the first-team until this pre-season, has shone in Reading's pre-season tour in Spain and could be one of the U23 players that could make the step up to the first team for the upcoming season.
The Scottish youth international is only 19-year-old, yet has been one of the shining stars of Reading's summer so far. Holsgrove has been amongst the goals this pre-season, including a game against Gibraltar United where he scored two well taken goals.
Holsgrove is mainly used as a centre midfield or a more advanced option in midfield. However, the youngster has also played on the wing. Although that wasn't his normal position, the young player has excelled in the challenges that manager Jose Gomes has set him this season.
Reading fans could see Holgrove play more regularly in the first team if he continues to perform in the same manner and carry the same attitude that's got him to this point already. He's definitely going to be one to watch.
Here are three reasons why Reading fans should be getting excited about Jordan Holsgrove.
Although some clubs across England desire to play attractive football, sometimes it’s a simple set piece that can pay dividends when attempting to score. Holsgrove’s set pieces could be very useful for the Royals if he plays for the first team this season.
Michael Morrison, who joined the club in the summer after being released by Birmingham City, scored seven goals last season for his former club. The duo of Holsgrove and Morrison could be lethal for the Reading team, for a club that struggled to score multiple goals per game in the Championship next season.
Having both John Swift and Jordan Holsgrove as options when taking free kicks could prove vital in terms of the ‘Goals For’ column in the Championship in the upcoming campaign.
He forms part of the academy identity that Reading are forming
Although Jose Gomes took more youngsters to Spain on the pre-season took than he would have expected, the Royals were always destined to have a number of younger players in the first team this season.
The club are desperately lacking a clear identity after former CEO Ron Gourlay left the club in a financial mess. Reading have a very impressive academy that could continue to be utilised to give the club that identity of giving younger players a chance.
Jordan Holsgrove could contribute to this identity that they are forming, whether that’s intentional or not. Other academy graduates Michael Olise and Josh Barrett are also likely to have a big role in the Reading first team next season.
Allows Reading to add reinforcements in other areas
Reading’s financial situation at this moment in time means that they’re limited in the amount they can spend in this window.
The capabilities of Jordan Holsgrove and Michael Olise have meant that the centre attacking midfield is not the most pressing issue at the moment in terms of signings. Fellow academy graduate, Josh Barrett, is another alternative to John Swift in that advanced midfield role.
This allows other areas of the pitch to be focused on and there’s no doubt that the club will be looking for further signings ahead of a gruelling 2019/20 Championship campaign. Capable youngsters like Holsgrove make this transfer situation a whole lot easier for manager Jose Gomes.