In an unprecedented season riddled with stand-out performances, Reading fans may have let two particular players slip through the radar: Josh Laurent and Andy Rinomhota. 

The Royals’ midfield duo have been immense so far, perhaps the final piece of the Paunovic’s puzzle. 
 
Playing a combined total of 4,787 minutes in the Championship, the pair have held the fort in the heart of midfield for Reading this season and many would suggest they are the unsung heroes of the team.
 
Josh Laurent was signed for the Royals on a free transfer from Shrewsbury Town in the Summer.

The midfielder has been dubbed as the ‘signing of the summer’ by many Championship followers, and Reading fans would certainly argue his case. 
 
Laurent has a tendency to drive forward with the ball, using his strength to hold up play and wait for the right moment to release. 

Equally, his defensive contributions have proved vital for Reading throughout the season; the deep-lying midfielder averages 2.1 tackles per game, only Omar Richards ranks higher, shortly followed by Andy Rinomhota. 
 
Laurent and Rinomhota also rank first and (joint) second for interceptions made per game for the Royals, averaging 1.4 and 1.3 respectively. 

Rinomhota’s ability to read and intercept a pass has helped Reading to win back possession on many occasions, often leading to a counter-attack situation. The academy graduate helps balance the game for Reading, with an element of composure beyond his years.
 
Despite having never played in the Championship before this term, Josh Laurent has had no issues stepping up to the challenge. 

The former Shrews midfielder has shown he is capable of keeping up with the tempo, and even controlling it himself, averaging over 13 more passes than any other Reading midfielder per game, unsurprisingly followed by Rinomhota (40.7). 

Laurent also boasts the highest pass completion percentage of all Reading players with 85.7 per cent.
 
The season is far from complete but Royals fans have plenty of reason to be hopeful; the midfield duo have become an absolute for Veljko Paunovic in his promotion charge. The reliability and consistency of the pair is something that the Mad Stad has been missing for far too long - long may it continue.