Matt Miazga joins Reading on loan for the rest of the season

After an unsuccessful loan spell at FC Nantes which saw more than its fair share of controversy, Matt Miazga has joined the Jose Gomes revolution at Reading till the end of the season.

The 24-year-old center-back has clearly taken a step back in quality with this loan move, but that’s just how it goes in the loan market. It’s never easy to find the right high-level loan club in January, with the circumstances for the decision being a previous six months of minimal game-time. It is, therefore, of utmost importance to look for a loan that will see the player in question build back lost momentum with minutes on the pitch.

Miazga’s two-year footballing education at Vitesse improved his play in possession and that must have been one of the factors that put him on Reading’s radar. The Royals, currently mired in the Championship relegation dogfight, look to be taking an unconventional route out of it by hiring former Rio Ave manager, Jose Gomes, who lays a heavy emphasis on a possession-based game. This has seen loan moves of Lewis Baker (also from Chelsea), goalkeeper Emi Martinez (Arsenal) and now, Miazga completed in quick succession. Reading are also very light at the back due to injuries, so Miazga should hit the ground running this weekend with a start.

Miazga has shown the potential to be playing in a significantly better league but will need a good six months to get his career back on track. Good luck, Matt!