Our scout is a top football expert who attends matches each week searching for the next star. He brings you his verdict in Sportsmail.
This week he has been looking at Reading midfielder John Swift.
WHAT HAS HE GOT?
Another of the bright Chelsea youngsters to have had several loan experiences, Swift has now settled in permanently at Reading.
Playing in the foremost midfield position, he flits in between centre-field provider, spraying passes wide mainly towards his speedy winger, and closing as a second striker supporting his tall front man.
He has football intelligence and can make sensible, weighted passes. A tall, athletic, slim figure he now commands a regular place and his role in the team gives him a greater opportunity to establish himself.
Very aware of his responsibilities when the opposition have the ball deep, he quickly gets into position to prevent their holding midfield player gaining possession from his back players. In other words, he closes down quickly.
On the creative side, he shows clever deception when standing almost on the goalkeeper’s toes at a corner only to slip across the byline completely unmarked to gain possession from a well-worked routine.
Stamina does not seem to be a problem. He is an easy runner without being able to show his marker a clean pair of heels. I also saw him compete well in a couple of aerial challenges.
WHAT DOES HE NEED?
Although he gets close enough to the opposition goal, I feel that he could make more forward runs. When I last saw him, he tended to want the ball to feet.
I also felt that at times, maybe because he feels confident, he had too many touches when receiving and may have been better advised playing a quicker pass.
Having said that, when he had a chance on goal he responded quickly. A low cross and a fierce free-kick both led to goals and he certainly looked the main threat and creative element.
Overall, Swift has a languid style and the way he takes the ball makes his decision to select a pass come easily. He is talented and I would expect him to improve with age.
