Reading have endured a much better start to the season than most expected, though things could potentially change between now and the World Cup interval.

Most teams are still packed together quite closely at this stage and this is why the Royals need to retain their consistency to ensure they remain well above the relegation zone.

Remaining afloat in the Championship has to be their main goal this season considering the transfer restrictions they have faced and some of the key players they have lost - but they are a team that has real potential too.

This is because they have some top-quality individuals in their side including Lucas Joao, who is one of the league's best forwards on his day. That will provide the Berkshire outfit with real hope, but they can't afford to be complacent.

On the subject of their players, we have taken a look at some of their most valuable players (according to Transfermarkt).

But who do you think comes out on top? Click through to find out!

Market value: £1.08m

Captain Yiadom deserves to be higher up this list, with the full-back establishing himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet for the Royals during his time at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Recruiting him on a free transfer in 2018 is certainly one of their better bits of business in recent years - and it was a big boost for the club when he signed a new three-year deal in the summer.

He wouldn't have been short of interest a few months ago when his previous deal was expiring - but he remained loyal to the cause and he will be fondly remembered by the Royals' fanbase because of that when he decides to leave.

For now though, a player like him could be crucial in saving the club from the dreaded drop.

Market value: £1.35m

His impact has been limited by an injury setback - but Sarr certainly looks to be a good addition and made an instant impact on his debut as he headed in the winner for the Royals at Millwall.

Performing extremely well for Huddersfield Town last season, bringing him in on a free transfer this summer was a superb bit of business by Paul Ince's side and he certainly has the ability to be a game-changer.

Known for his inconsistency though, Ince's side will be hoping to see the better side of Sarr more often than not and his height alone will make him a real asset in both boxes.

More experience was needed in central defence despite the arrival of Sam Hutchinson before him - and it will be interesting to see whether he's a regular starter ahead of Tom McIntyre when fit.

Market value: £1.35m

Moore is in an unenviable situation at the moment, with the Jamaican currently out injured and unable to make an exit from the SCL Stadium until January unless he terminates his contract.

Suffering a public fallout with the club in January, he was shipped out on loan to Stoke City, but an injury ended his spell at the bet365 Stadium prematurely as he returned to Berkshire early.

It's currently unclear whether he will return to the first team when he returns to full fitness - or whether he will end up coming to some form of agreement for him to leave the club.

His contract expires next summer though, so he could potentially grit his teeth and see out the remainder of his contract in Berkshire if he feels comfortable to.

Market value: £1.62m

On paper, Yiadom is probably the more valuable player at the moment and this is why some may argue that McIntyre should be further down this list.

In financial terms though, the former Scotland youth international is younger and has the potential to grow into a much better player than he currently is, potentially persuading clubs to spend more on him than they would on Yiadom.

On his day, McIntyre can be an excellent player who can operate in multiple positions, though he's a much better player in central defence and midfield. He isn't a left-back - and that was showcased against Sunderland earlier this month.

He definitely needs to work on his consistency though if he wants to be a regular starter ahead of teammate Sarr.

Market value: £1.8m

Earlier in his career, Rahman probably would have been top of this list with the Ghanaian impressing at Augsburg, but his career declined during his time at Chelsea and enjoyed his first spell at the SCL Stadium last season.

He was part of a poor defence that recorded the joint-worst defensive record in the division during 2021/22, but could be a much more effective player at wing-back with the license to get higher up the pitch.

The 28-year-old was keen to get up the pitch last term and was unlucky to record just one assist during that season.

However, you would back him to register more goalscoring contributions this season, with the defender even coming close to scoring on a couple of occasions too during 2021/22.

Market value: £2.7m

Holmes is in a similar situation to McIntyre, with consistency potentially the key to him becoming a much better player.

Previously the subject of interest from Nottingham Forest, he failed to make the switch to the City Ground and instead signed a new deal this summer to remain with the club he supported as a boy.

He doesn't have a direct competitor for the right centre-back spot with Andy Yiadom often needed at wing-back and Liam Moore currently out of action, but there's always a chance he could be dropped if he doesn't maximise his performance levels on a regular basis.

This is why he needs to remain vigilant and continue pushing his limits if he wants to fulfil his potential and continue attracting interest from elsewhere.

Market value: £2.7m

As previously mentioned, Angola international Joao can be one of the best strikers in the division on his day, though he does have his weaknesses too.

Not exactly suited to a pressing style, that and his injury record has probably prevented him from becoming a Premier League player, but is still an asset for the Royals at this level.

This is why many of the second-tier side's supporters were keen to keep hold of him, even if that means losing him for free next summer with survival the main focus for the Berkshire outfit at this point.

Getting himself on the scoresheet three times this season, it wouldn't be a surprise if he managed to get into double figures again.

Market value: £2.7m

Another player valued at £2.7m, many Reading supporters wouldn't have argued with this valuation considering his previous Premier League experience and the caps he has under his belt for the Republic of Ireland.

However, he has probably been the Royals' most underwhelming player so far this season, a real shame considering he looked like he was going to be a vital player during the pre-season period.

The Irishman hasn't been terrible - but he will want to improve his performance levels if he wants this loan in Berkshire to be classed as a success.

He's continuing to be given starting opportunities by Ince though - and needs to make the most of them. On his day, he can be a real asset going forward.

Market value: £3.15m

Ejaria endured a very poor campaign last term and hasn't been as much of an asset in the final third as he could be - recording two goals and no assists during the 2021/22 campaign.

Before this season started, he was believed to be John Swift's natural successor, but the ex-Liverpool man will probably need others alongside him to contribute as well.

His contract doesn't expire until the summer of 2024 and that's why the Royals would be able to generate some money for him if he left during the January window or next summer.

However, he hasn't exactly been able to put himself in the shop window so far this season with injuries limiting his game time.

Market value: £3.6m

Coming from Porto on loan, the Berkshire side won't be able to cash in on Loum if they don't sign him permanently which is a blow, because the potential sale of the Senegal international could help their financial fair play situation.

However, the Royals will just be glad to have a player of his calibre at their disposal considering the restrictions they were forced to deal with during the summer transfer window.

Performing well during some games, he will be a real hit with the supporters if he can perform at his maximum for as many games as he possibly can, as a player that can break up play and set his side on the front foot.

His presence in the middle of the park certainly can't do the Royals any harm.