JOEY van den Berg has signed a one-year contract extension – then was immediately praised for his ‘clever’ football brain.

The 31-year-old midfielder joined Royals on a two-year deal in summer 2016, helping Jaap Stam’s men finish third in the Championship in his first season at the club.

Now, the versatile Dutchman has been rewarded with another 12 month deal which keeps him at Madejski Stadium until summer 2019.

“Joey is in the last year of a two-year contract and, in his first season at the club and at the start of this campaign, he has shown how important is to the squad,” stated Stam.

"He is fit, physically strong, he works very hard and he has quality on the ball.

"And he's a very clever player.

“Every team in this league wants to have a player with those qualities, so we're very happy that he's signed a new deal and is staying with us for another season."

Van den Berg was Stam’s first signing as Royals boss, having worked under him at PEC Zwolle.

Stam was assistant manager at the time when Van den Berg scored seven goals during their 2012 title-winning campaign leading to promotion to the Dutch top flight.

Reading Chronicle:

Joey van den Berg in action for Reading in the 2-1 loss at Millwall on Tuesday night. Picture: Jason Dawson/jasonpix.

Van den Berg then moved to Heerenveen where he notched eight goals as they finished eighth in the Eredivisie in 2013/14.

He made 107 appearances for them in all before moving to Royals on a free transfer.

Van den Berg played 34 times for Royals last season in defence and midfield and has started seven out of nine league games this campaign.

Reading chief executive Ron Gourlay stated: “Joey’s versatility, vision, leadership and considerable experience has been evident in every game he has played for the club.

“I am very pleased that he has followed in the footsteps of a number of other key first team players in committing his future to what we are trying to achieve here.”

Sporting director Brian Tevreden hailed van den Berg’s ‘undoubted ability,’ adding: “His commitment to the cause out on the pitch can’t ever be questioned. He will remain a very valuable member of a strong Royals squad.”

Reading suffered their fourth Championship loss of the season when losing 2-1 at Millwall on Tuesday night.

Stam’s men host Norwich City at Madejski Stadium this Saturday (5.30pm ko) before a fortnight’s international break.