With Matty Jacob’s poor run of form in recent weeks and Ryan’s impressive performances in the cup, it’s time to give the young Irishman a run in the league.
After shoehorning winger Andre Garcia in at left back last season, the entirety of Berkshire rejoiced when the Royals finally signed a natural, left-footed full back from Hull in July, albeit on a season-long loan.
Admittedly, some concerns were raised about the 24-year-old Matty Jacob’s playing time last year – or lack thereof – he only appeared in eight Championship games for relegation-threatened Hull City, but a left back is a left back, right!?
Two weeks earlier, a busy summer window began for Reading with the announcement that they had retained Irishmen John Clarke and John Ryan with one year deals.
Ryan, 21, joined the Royals from Sassuolo in 2023 after joining the Italian outfit from UCD a year earlier.
He suffered a significant knee injury during the 2024 pre-season which caused him to miss the entire 24/25 campaign, one in which he was primed to see a big role considering the lack of depth at that position all year.
With Andre Garcia shifting to his natural position on the wing and Jeriel Dorsett continuing to cross-train at both CB and LB, there has been a big opportunity for Ryan to cement himself as the ‘cup’ left back behind the starter Jacob.
In six cup games this year – three each in the EFL Trophy & EFL Cup – Ryan has played 484 minutes and has impressed in each game.
On the flip side, Jacob has been less than impressive in 13 league games for the Royals.
Ryan is three years younger, contracted permanently, and has performed significantly better in limited minutes than the Hull loanee so far this season, and unless there’s an ill-advised clause in his contract forcing Jacob into Hunt’s team selections, it’s high time fans got to see John Ryan in league action sooner rather than later.
Featured image captured via https://youtube.com/@readingfc?si=KNf3qQEXkLQxjWmZ
Leave a Reply