:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/26414389/453338715.0.jpg)
In alphabetical order...
Chris Gunter
5 apps, average rating 6.2
MOTM polls: 2nd (Bournemouth H), 3rd (Wigan H), 3rd (Leicester A), 2nd (Middlesbrough A)
Gunter was the best of our back four throughout December, despite missing the Charlton game through suspension. A previously shaky member of the squad, he's looked a good attacking outlet and has shored up his defensive play - and arguably looks the only member of the back four who is fully comfortable in the current system.
Alex McCarthy
6 apps: average rating 6.5
MOTM polls: 2nd (Huddersfield A)
A little surprising that McCarthy only notched one place in our MOTM polls - perhaps that comes to show that we expect these heroics from our keeper these days (on a similar note, Guthrie only got an average of 5 for the month). Second best average rating overall in the Reading squad for McCarthy, and whilst his kicking may not be perfect, his shot stopping and instinct has kept us in games too often this term.
Pavel Pogrebnyak
6 apps: average rating 6.83
MOTM polls: 2nd (Charlton H), 1st (Huddersfield A), 1st (Wigan H), 2nd (Leicester A), 3rd (Middlesbrough A)
Pog only missed out on a top 3 in our polls at home to Bournemouth, and his average rating of 6.83 was the highest of any Royals player throughout the month of December. Since dropping to the Championship he's been one of the highlights of the squad, and it would be no surprise to see him pick up the hat-trick of POTM wins.
Danny Williams
6 apps: average rating 6
MOTM polls: 1st (Charlton H), 1st (Middlesbrough A)
The only member of our midfield to play in every game in December, Williams was solid and notched a couple of MOTM wins at home to Charlton and away at Middlesbrough. Whilst there are clearly problems with the midfield, Williams has dynamism and energy, which could be crucial going forward as the slog of the Championship takes its toll.
So those are our nominations but who do you think performed best in December? Vote in our Player Of The Month poll - you've got a week to choose...