Since Leam Richardson has taken the helm at Reading FC he has preferred playing his squad in a 4-2-3-1 formation which often transitions into three at the back in attacking phases with a wing-back adding a fifth man in the attack.

Richardson has only set-up Reading as a 3-4-2-1 once and that was during their 2-0 loss to Bradford City in December.

Defender Benn Ward signing from Accrington Stanley, who often played as a left-sided centre-half in a back three, Paudie O’Connor having previously played in the role during his time at Lincoln and Derrick Williams, Finley Burns being able to fill the role and provide rotational option speculation has been arising if a change of starting formation was on the horizon.

When asked if he would prefer to move into playing three at the back, Richardson told The Reading Chronicle: “I think we’ve got to be flexible in what we’re doing.

“I like 4-2-3-1 as you can see, we’re 4-2-3-1 and we’ll try and swing both ways to have two high points and two 10s, to have as many attacking players on the pitch as possible and play through the thirds really quick.

“I think the balance of a team is everything. The left footer in the building is really welcome because at one point we didn’t have any.”

According to data provide by FotMob, Ward is one of the most successful crossers of the ball in the league and is in the 89th percentile of centre-backs in League Two at creating chances.

The 22-year-old is quick and strong, adept at shielding the ball whilst creating passing opportunities for his teammates. On the defensive front, his six foot one frame makes him an aerial threat as he has won 120 aerial duels across23 league games this season, one of the most out of any centre-half.

Ward has also 190 ground duels, 35 tackles, made 47 interceptions and 116 recoveries (with only one player having more). He has proved himself to be a defensive powerhouse for Doolan’s side as he has started 23 out of 26 games for Accrington in league mainly alongside Devon Matthews in a back three.

The young defender is also very fast and athletic whilst able to drive the ball forward and commit to offensive outputs.