Reading FC 1-1 AFC Bournemouth: Pre-Season Friendly Player Ratings

Ali Al-Habsi: 6

Didn't have an awful lot to do, but made a good save from Gosling's effort in the first half and an even better one from Gradel's free-kick in the second. Distribution was slightly dodgy at times. Couldn't do much about Bournemouth's goal.

Chris Gunter: 6

Began the game playing slightly further up the pitch but quickly moved back into his shell and rarely got forward from then on. Not all that noticeable, but made some good tackles before coming off around the hour mark.

Paul McShane: 6

Generally solid at the back, but was at fault for the Bournemouth goal after letting both the ball go past him and Cook break free to easily. Other than that, I was impressed with McShane, who put in a number of tackles and played a couple of nice forward passes.

Joey van den Berg: 5

Tried out in defence, but on the basis of this performance is best suited in midfield. Brought the ball out well, but too often this resulted in gaps in the Reading defence, and van den Berg was also at fault for conceding the goal. The Dutchman also went crunching in on a number of tackles, some of them late, and picked himself up a yellow card in the second half.

Jordan Obita: 6

Much the same as Gunter on the opposite flank. Didn't attack enough, but then was solid defensively which you could say is a good thing for Obita to learn.

Oliver Norwood: 5

Played the deeper role in the midfield three but didn't give the defence enough cover. His corners and free-kicks once again found no one, but played his token couple of cross field passes to earn applause.

George Evans: 6

Was part of some tidy passing moves in the middle of the park and overall looked confident on the ball and taking it forward. Didn't do anything of particular note goodly or badly, but I have certainly seen an improvement in Evans and think he could be a regular this season.

Danny Williams: 7

Another impressive performance to cap off a good pre-season for the American. Looked sharp and it seems as though Stam's system really suits him. Pressed the ball well and made some good passes as well as having a couple of shots blocked.

Roy Beerens: 6

Clearly not 100% fit, but there were some encouraging signs from the new signing before he was taken off at half-time. Excited the crowd with his pace, step-overs and skills but couldn't quite find an eventual cross/pass on most occasions.

Deniss Rakels: 5

Was the only recognised centre forward in the squad, but wasn't all that effective upfront by himself. Worked hard, but lost the ball on a couple of occasions and couldn't create any clear cut chances. Probably better with a partner, but it is unlikely he'll get that in Stam's system.

John Swift: 7

Really promising performance from the former Chelsea man, Was dispossessed a few times and lacks a bit of pace, but attacking wise he was Reading's best player. Had the Royals' first chance with a fierce drive after cutting in from the wing, and then took his goal really well early in the second half. Went forward with confidence. Seems as though he might be better playing in the middle rather than out wide.

Substitutes

Youngsters Craig Tanner, Tennai Watson and Liam Kelly all showed promising performances, with Tanner getting the assist for Reading's goal and Watson putting in an impressive last ditch tackle. They're all obviously still incredibly raw, but Stam can be encouraged by what he saw by the academy graduates.