Norwoodn't Turn Us Down: Huddersfield Playmaker Joins

Reading Football Club have today announced the signing of Oliver Norwood, the former Manchester United and Huddersfield midfielder described as being, "regarded as one of the best midfield playmakers outside the Premier League."

The 23-year old Northern Irish international, who will don the number six shirt, has played 17 times for his country, and represented Huddersfield 89 times in all competitions, scoring nine times and assisting 11, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored have statistically calculated strengths of long shots, direct free kicks, key passes, passes, tackling and defensive contribution; his weaknesses are calculated as being concentration. Statistically, he likes to do layoffs, play long balls, shoot from distance and tackle.

GetReading spoke to sports editor of the Huddersfield Examiner, Mel Booth, to get more of a lowdown on our new man:

"Oliver Norwood is the type of midfielder who likes to be right at the hub of operations.

"The former Manchester United player, two years into a three-year Town contract, can pick out a pass and likes to dictate the tempo of play from central positions.

"The Burnley-based player also has a ferocious shot and is no stranger to having a pop from both open play and free-kicks around the box.

"Indeed, he crashed a fantastic shot against the bar from long range in the woeful opening-day 4-0 home defeat by Bournemouth, which was a close as Huddersfield got to scoring that day.

"He has also been a regular corner taker at the John Smith's Stadium, often producing the sort of delivery you would expect from someone who has been schooled at Carrington in the building-blocks of the game."

On his arrival, manager Nigel Adkins said:

"He's a very good player and passes the ball ever so well. He had a good upbringing at Manchester United, he's got lots of games under his belt in the Football League and is a good age. At 23, he can only improve in our environment.

"He'll fit in well with our players, he has a great attitude, he's athletic, can pass and take a set play as well. He's only going to get better and I'm really excited about him being here."

Read the full statement here.

Norwood didn't feature for Huddersfield at the weekend, and faced competition from new signings Butterfield, Coady and Majewski at John Smith's Stadium.

The midfielder has signed a three year contract with the club, which ties him to the Madejski Stadium based side until 2017.