Vote For Your February Player Of The Month

Just the one defeat in February for Reading (albeit a thrashing at the hands of Sheffield United) meant that our ratings were largely more positive last month, and five players in particular stood out as star performers. Here they are in alphabetical order for you to choose from as your Player of the Month.

Emiliano Martinez

Average rating: 6.20 (5 appearances); Man of the Match awards: Sheffield Wednesday (1st), Aston Villa (2nd), Sheffield United (2nd)

The Argentine shot stopper has been a revelation since arriving on loan from Arsenal, making numerous vital saves that really have won Reading points. Certainly the best of the four goalkeepers that the Royals have used this season, it’s just a shame a permanent deal in the summer seems unlikely.

Matt Miazga

Average rating: 6.40 (5 appearances); Man of the Match awards: Aston Villa (1st), Sheffield Wednesday (2nd), Rotherham (2nd)

Another loanee that has massively sured up Reading’s defence, Miazga has slotted in seamlessly next to Liam Moore in the backline. His strength in defending aerial balls has been a huge bonus, whilst the USA international has also shown to be both confident in possession but also comfortable with playing it long.

Liam Moore

Average rating: 6.20 (5 appearances); Man of the Match awards: Sheffield Wednesday (3rd), Rotherham (3rd)

Nominated for a second month in a row, Moore has continued to play a key role in a defence that has greatly improved under Jose Gomes. The stand-in captain has also shown his leadership qualities - regularly galvanising his teammates from the back, putting his body on the line to block an effort against Rotherham and being the first player to front up following the thrashing at Sheffield United.

Nelson Oliveira

Average rating: 6.00 (4 appearances); Man of the Match awards: Blackburn Rovers (1st), Sheffield United (1st)

You only need to watch Nelson Oliveira for five minutes to realise how much of an upgrade he is on Reading’s other strikers. The Portuguese’s movement and willingness for the ball has given the Royals a much needed outlet up top, whilst his late winning goal against Blackburn felt like one of the most important moments of the season so far.

John Swift

Average rating: 6.00 (5 appearances); Man of the Match awards: Blackburn Rovers (2nd), Sheffield United (3rd)

Reading’s most creative midfielder, John Swift still struggles with consistency issues, but most of the Royals’ attacking play does tend to go through him. His highlight of the month was undoubtedly the Blackburn game, when he opened the scoring at the Mad Stad before setting up Oliveira’s winner with a superb ball over the top.

Vote

Pick your player of the month in the poll below or, if it doesn’t display properly, through this link.