CONFIMRED - Paolo Hurtado

[WoodleyRoyal]

who are the two guys either side of Hurtado?

[genome]

He's shit on FM

Rubbish signing.

[Pepe the Horseman]

The bald guy is our new striker. The other guy is Bear Grylls. He won a competition on twitter to get his photo taken with our two new signings.

[winchester_royal]

He's shit on FM

Rubbish signing.

Decent on Fifa though, and was skillzzzz on FM11

[WoodleyRoyal]

The bald guy is our new striker. The other guy is Bear Grylls. He won a competition on twitter to get his photo taken with our two new signings.

thanks pepe, you're talents are wasted on here, ever thought about a career in comedy?

[Pepe the Horseman]

I am a comedian

[Pepe the Horseman]

Or was that the joke?

[WoodleyRoyal]

[Pepe the Horseman]

Indeed.

[genome]

[TBM]

To find out more Charles Watts caught up with Jan Hagen (@PortuBall) to get his views on the new arrival. Jan is a freelance writer who specialises in Portuguese football.

Thanks for doing this Jan. I saw you described Paolo as your favourite player in Portugal. That’s quite an exciting statement for Reading fans. Could you just explain what sort of player he is and what he will bring to Reading.

"He’s one of my favourites because he is exciting. In his first season with Pacos he was exceptional. He was the revelation of the season here.

"He just arrived and no-one knew what to expect and he just amazed the whole country. He was one of the best players in the league and that says a lot when he’s not playing for one of the league’s biggest teams.

"As a player he is winger who loves to get forward but he is more than that, he also likes to come inside and have a shot.

"You never know what you are going to get when Paolo has the ball. He’s really, really quick. That’s one of his best attributes.

"He can beat his opponents one-on-one because of his amazing pace and also because of his technique. He’s just a very exciting player to watch."

What’s his best position?

"He prefers to play as a winger but he can play as an attacking midfielder. He’s also played as a striker, but not that much.

"He can play on both wings."

Reading at the moment are accused of lacking creativity. Is he a very creative player?

"Yes. As I said before he can play as an attacking midfielder.

"He’s a very creative player who likes to find his teammates. He’s a good passer."

What he like in front of goal? Sometimes wingers are accused of lacking end product, is he good for a goal?

"In his first season he was really good. I think he scored eight goals.

"He likes to try and score."

Obviously he isn’t really well known over here. If you can think of a player you would compare him to, who would that be? Jesus Navas perhaps?

"That’s a difficult question. I wouldn’t really compare him to Jesus Navas as he’s more direct.

"He’s not going to try to cross every time. He’s going to try to come inside and shoot as well.

"He’s not a classical winger, he’s more of a playmaker as well and a finisher.

"I’m trying to think of someone else. Jose Reyes is quite a good comparison."

So you think he could be a success in England? In the Championship?

"It’s a far more physical league. He’s not that big a player or that strong so maybe he will have some problems.

"But I think he will do well because he had some problems with Pacos, especially the 2013/14 season when he didn’t play that much because of the manager, but he overcame that.

"So I think he will do well."

So overall, is he a player who will excite Reading fans? Are they going to enjoy watching him?

"Yes, for sure. If he manages to adapt to the Championship I think he will be a really great signing.

"He was ready for a move. If he manages to adapt, Reading have got some player."

[Royal Ginger]

So, excellent for two matches until the league work out that it'll just take a stiff breeze to blow him over and he doesn't have a cross...

[Pepe the Horseman]

Sounds pretty promising. Although doesn't really mention what's happened to him in the last couple of years.

[Hoop Blah]

He does sound like the right kind of player for us, certainly one who should bring a bit of excitement and creativity to a largely dull and predictable squad.

Let's hope Clarke gets the best out of him and he settles in quick and makes an impact.

[bobby1413]

So, excellent for two matches until the league work out that it'll just take a stiff breeze to blow him over and he doesn't have a cross...

Probably a joke but everyone on here is so negative and cynical

(I realise that statement probably sums up this entire forum but it does get tiresome after a while)

[Royal Ginger]

So, excellent for two matches until the league work out that it'll just take a stiff breeze to blow him over and he doesn't have a cross...

Probably a joke but everyone on here is so negative and cynical

(I realise that statement probably sums up this entire forum but it does get tiresome after a while)

Yup, very happy to see a pacy winger, just finding the cynical between the lines so that when it goes wrong i can declare myself lord of the internet and stroke my beardless face sagely.

[bobby1413]

So, excellent for two matches until the league work out that it'll just take a stiff breeze to blow him over and he doesn't have a cross...

Probably a joke but everyone on here is so negative and cynical

(I realise that statement probably sums up this entire forum but it does get tiresome after a while)

Yup, very happy to see a pacy winger, just finding the cynical between the lines so that when it goes wrong i can declare myself lord of the internet and stroke my beardless face sagely.

Haha, I see! I hope you don't get to stroke your beardless face later this season

[Uke]

So, excellent for two matches until the league work out that it'll just take a stiff breeze to blow him over and he doesn't have a cross...

He would have been if you hadn't told them

[melonhead]

U say hurtaydo
I say hurtado
Let's call the whole thing off

Great news.
Genuinely a bit exciting.

[PeterReadingborn59]

Like most I hope Paolo fulfills expectations and gives an alternative winger to McCleary, both working the flanks could be really good to watch.

Just hope the journalist comment:
You never know what you are going to get when Paolo has the ball. He’s really, really quick. That’s one of his best attributes.

does not reflect the same approach Marek Matějovský had, as Marek has skill but seemed to be playing alone most of the time with his teammates never knowing where and when Marek might pass.