Reading FC Player in Focus: Danny Williams

Last time out, we focused on Aaron Tshibola. Just like Stephen Quinn before him, Tshibola perhaps showed that you're never more valued as a player than when you don't play. Your votes in our poll saw him get an average rating of 4.44.

That was the highest rating you have awarded yet. This time round another central midfielder, Danny Williams, is in the spotlight. You can have your say on him in the poll and comments below.

*****

Williams is a player who I have admired since the beginning. He was signed during the Anton years and was one of the few good things to come from that period.

The first year was a transitional period for the American who was born in Germany. He was competing with the likes of Jem Karacan, Danny Guthrie and Mikele Leigertwood. It took a little while for Williams to become established, but his determination and tackling were attributes that instantly caught the eye. Tenacity and work rate was definitely noticed by many fans early on.

Originally deployed as a ball winning midfielder protecting the back four, Williams has moved to behind the strikers in recent games. A few great goals this season and his willingness to run beyond the striker seems to have brought this change of role.

At times, the American has moments of inspiration but can also be inaccurate with his shooting and a little bit inconsistent. I am a big fan, but I do believe his best position is the ball winning role, allowing Oliver Norwood to play in a more advanced role.

I love his passion and he has become a real ambassador for the club. He is a player that will remain in the memory of many fans. I feel we did well during the January window to keep him as it looked like Swansea were lurking (or at least his agent).

I see Williams as a key player who needs a more consistent role and needs to contribute to keeping possession more as a whole. In Norwood we have a talented player with a wide range of passing, who has been made to be very static; this is exactly where Williams should be protecting our back four.

I believe that our central midfield lacks identity. The way we have it set up with interchanging play doesn't quite work right now. Once Brian McDermott stops experimenting with player roles (i.e. not playing Williams right wing!), we will see our results improve.

Rating - 4 out of 5

*****

Ratings So Far

Matej Vydra: 3.68

Stephen Quinn: 4.17

Aaron Tshibola: 4.44