Reading FC boss praises Joel Pereira's recent displays

Pereira earned praise from his manager following Reading’s latest outing, with Richardson particularly pleased by the goalkeeper’s performances across games against Cambridge United, Brentford and Saturday’s fixture.

Despite Reading winning only one of those three matches, Richardson feels 'El Gato' has delivered consistently strong individual displays.

“Do you know what? Probably this week, Cambridge, Brentford and today, I think that's probably as good as he's been in three consecutive games,” said Richardson.

“And he's only won one game. I thought he was excellent on Tuesday against Brentford, he was excellent last week against Cambridge.”

Pereira currently has three clean sheets to his name in League One - third in the league just behind Bradford's Jon McCrakcen (5) and tied with Wimbledon's Josef Bursik.

Pereira has established himself as an important figure for the Royals, but Richardson was keen to stress that keeping the opposition out is not solely the responsibility of his goalkeeper and defenders.

The Reading boss has demanded greater intensity from his entire side without the ball, with the defensive work beginning much further up the pitch.

“But again today, we've put a bit more of a demand on Joel as well,” Richardson explained.

“Clean sheets aren't just about him and Jack and the back four.

“It starts at the front end of the pitch with what we want to do, how high we want to press and how aggressive we want to be.

“So, yes, I'm really pleased with the clean sheet today.”

Richardson’s comments underline the collective approach he is attempting to instil at Reading, with the Royals expected to defend aggressively from the front rather than relying on Pereira and the back line.

While results across the three matches have not necessarily reflected Pereira’s performances, Richardson believes his goalkeeper can take plenty of confidence from arguably his most consistent spell between the posts.