Sporting Lisbon Fan On Tiago Ilori

As Reading finally complete the signing of defender Tiago Ilori, we continue to canvas opinion on what Royals fans can expect from the former Liverpool man. We've already given you the Anfield view, but what about the view of a fan who watched him grow up in the game? We spoke to Sporting Lisbon fan Rick who you can follow on Twitter @leoeslions

It's been a few years since Tiago was in the Green and White hoops but what did you make of his overall performances in Portugal?

He was very promising from youth level and slotted into the first team well during a torrid time for the club.

The deal for Liverpool to sign him was worth a reported £7m did you think that was good value at the time?

Yes and no. The value didn't match what was thought of his overall potential but his contract was running down, so the club was happy to get anything for him.

What were Ilori's main strengths?

He was very quick. There was a rumour going around that he beat Cristiano Ronaldo's speed record in training but I have no idea if that's true. His height and his strength made him good at setplays, especially attacking them.

Any significant weaknesses?

When I last watched him play properly he was very young, so there were a few mistakes in his game, although forgivable given his age.

Why do you think it didn't work out for him at Liverpool?

I think he was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Had he stayed at the club he would have developed more the following season. That's what Eric Dier did.

Any idea what he's like off the pitch?

He was once asked after Sporting's youth team beat Liverpool's 3-0 at Anfield whether it was a special occasion for him to play in such a stadium. His reply was along the lines of, "not really, we've played in better places", I always liked him for that.

He came through the same ranks as another former Royal in Daniel Carrico, any similarities?

Not really, when Carriço arrived in England he'd struggled to get games at Sporting due to injuries and bad management. I think Ilori will do better. I would take Carriço back at Sporting in a heartbeat.

Do you think Reading are getting a good deal?

Absolutely. Less than £3.75m for a player who, if he lives up to his full potential, could be sold for several times the price.