Reading FC player ratings for the season: Royals players ranked after disappointing Championship campaign

Lengthy injuries to key players thwarted Royals' chances of re-creating last year's form, but, that said, there was enough quality in the squad to finish higher than 20th place.

Countless individual errors, wasted opportunities and silly team mistakes saw Reading hover above the relegation zone for much of the campaign.

Here's how I ranked each of Reading's key players (10 appearances or more) this year.

Vito Mannone: 6/10

The Italian had big shoes to fill following the untimely departure of Ali Al-Habsi.

He’s enjoyed a steady season but has been prone to several errors.

That said, his penalty save against QPR was a pivotal moment in ensuring Royals’ status in the second-tier.

Chris Gunter: 6/10

Gunter had a slow start to the season which was marred with mistakes.

A mistimed tackle against Fulham which allowed Lucas Piazon to steal a point for the Cottagers springs to mind.

That said, he picked up mid-way through the campaign and did well at left back after Jordan Obita’s injury.

Stepping into Paul McShane’s shoes after his hamstring injury, Gunter’s leadership helped steer the Royals across the finish line.

His fitness can never be faulted and he played almost every minute for Reading this season, as well as international football.

Tiago Ilori: 5/10

Several mistakes under Jaap Stam hampered the former Liverpool FC man’s season, which started dreadfully with a sending off on the opening day against QPR.

Reading fans are yet to see the best from Ilori, who has shown signs of promise since his £4m move.

Let’s hope he can kick on next season and assert himself as a top Championship defender.

Liam Moore: 8/10

Stood out in a poor defence for many games this season but went missing in December and January when Reading needed him most.

He picked up again when Paul Clement came in and made some impressive defensive contributions.

The 25-year-old contributed at both ends of the pitch with four goals and more blocks than anyone else in the division.

Almost always showed determination to fight for the shirt but the defence as a whole shipped in too many costly goals this season.

Paul McShane: 5/10

Perhaps harsh as he missed so many games through injury, but he had a sloppy start to the season none-the-less and looked a bit off the pace.

Everyone knows what McShane is capable of and providing he can get himself fit and fighting, he’ll be a massive asset to Paul Clement next season.

Omar Richards: 6/10

Came flying out of the blocks when Jordan Obita picked up his ACL injury and even managed to bag a couple of goals.

Question marks over his positioning at times but all in all a promising start from a player who looks to have real potential.

Tyler Blackett: 3/10

A season to forget for the former Manchester United defender. Too many mistakes at the back saw his confidence hit rock bottom and he struggled to pick himself up again.

Failed to make any significant improvement under Paul Clement and his most notable contribution to the final eight games was being sent off for a silly kick-out against Sheffield Wednesday.

Joey van den Berg: 5/10

In and out of the side and never really asserted himself as a key player this season.

Some costly mistakes on the ball but a wondergoal against Barnsley will be replayed for a long time.

Dave Edwards: 5/10

He was the first to admit that he wasn’t good enough this season, a shadow of the player who has torn Championship defences apart for years.

Struggled to adapt to Jaap Stam’s style of play and never managed to assert himself as a key player. Hopefully, we’ll see a big improvement from him next season.

Liam Kelly: 6/10 

The youngster had a solid second season in the Championship, producing seven goals from Midfield as well as three assists. 

The 22-year-old will be best remembered this season for his two goal of the season attempts, the first against Gillingham in the League cup and the second against Derby after volleying from 30 yards.

Leandro Bacuna: 6/10 

Bacuna's first season for Reading was one to forget, though he popped up with some good performances.

Great things were expected of the 26-year-old when he joined from Aston Villa in the summer, and he showed his versatility with some strong performances through defence and midfield. 

Pelle Clement: 4/10

In and out for much of the campaign, the 22-year-old hasn’t lived up to his potential as yet.

Clement bagged two assists in his 29 appearances in all competitions and will be looking to assert himself in Paul Clement’s plans for next season.

Still plenty of potential, but didn’t show enough quality for Royals this season.

John Swift: 5/10 

Swift had an indifferent season, hampered significantly by injuries. 

Multiple hamstring issues caused the midfielder to miss more than half of the season. 

In the games he was fit for, he failed to produce the spark that had made him a stand-out performer during the previous season. 

Sone Aluko: 4/10

A shadow of the player who played against Reading for Fulham last season.

Too many games seemed to pass him by. One stand-out moment with his solo goal against QPR and a good performance away at Derby County, but Aluko hasn’t justified his club-record price tag.

Modou Barrow: 8/10

Barrow was the star of a terrible season for Reading FC, he got the fans on their feet and provided plenty of entertainment on the left flank.

The quickest winger Reading have seen since Jimmy Kebe and 10 goals to help secure Royals’ Championship status.

An absolute bargain considering the small price Reading paid to take him from Swansea City and I’m sure plenty of clubs will be looking at him over the summer.

Garath McCleary: 5/10

Another season marred by injury for the electric winger, let’s hope he can make a full recovery in time for August.

Paul Clement likes to have pacey wingers in his side and a fit McCleary could be a huge asset.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson: 7/10

Gave 120 per cent every time he played and made a big improvement in front of goal. Several key strikes for the Royals this season, Hull at home and Birmingham away to name but a few.

His work rate stood out and he quickly asserted himself as a fans’ favourite.

However, too many wasted opportunities and still plenty of work to do to establish himself as a top striker.

Yann Kermorgant: 5/10

Again, harsh as he missed so many games through injury but Kermorgant looked a shadow of the player he was last season.

That said, he showed determination to recover and get back into the first-team and cannot be faulted for a lack of effort whenever he played.

Hopefully, we’ll see a few more goals from the veteran striker next season.

Sam Smith: 6/10

In and out of the first team but looked impressive whenever he played.

Smith got a couple of goals in his debut season and looks to have a lot of promise about him.

Hopefully, he’ll push on next season and assert himself as a key player for Paul Clement.

Chris Martin: 4/10

Never got going under Jaap Stam or Paul Clement.

Martin was a wasted acquisition and often found himself coming off the bench when Royals fell behind.

He looked unfit from the off and failed to show any real determination to turn Reading’s fortunes around.