Reading manager Leam Richardson said the club’s number 10 must be ready to work without the ball and create decisive moments in the final third. With George Earthy arriving from West Ham United, Richardson highlighted the role’s demands for both creative and defensive duties.
Role expectations
Richardson explained that the ideal number 10 should be able to switch between acting as a third midfielder and a second striker, depending on the situation. “I expect them to understand the game, to be very, very self-less in certain parts of the pitch but then selfish in the top end of the pitch,” he told The Reading Chronicle. He added that the player must link play, provide assists, score goals and make final-third entries, while also fulfilling defensive responsibilities.
Modern game demands
The manager stressed that today’s football requires every outfield player to contribute both in and out of possession. “Now we’ve got goalkeepers who want to play and build, so they’re very good at staying connected with that,” Richardson said. He noted that teams attack with 10 or 11 players, meaning a modern striker must also defend as a team. The Royals’ new signing, Earthy, is expected to adapt to these demands.
Player examples
Richardson pointed to Kamari Doyle, who spent last season on loan at Reading, as an example of the development he wants to see. Doyle finished the campaign with nine goals and five assists in all competitions, becoming a key attacking contributor after November. “I think you saw a really good improvement with Kamari Doyle,” Richardson said. “His numbers went through the roof from what they were to what they finished with from November to when he came out of the team in April.”
Options for the role
Reading now has several players who could fill the creative threat between the lines. George Earthy, 21, joins the club from West Ham United and could become Reading’s most natural permanent number 10 since Harvey Knibbs. Other options include Josh Stokes and Daniel Kyerewaa, who are also capable of providing the creative spark the team needs.
The Royals will look to Earthy to fill the role, alongside Stokes and Kyerewaa, as they aim to strengthen their attack this season.
