The dilemmas facing Jaap Stam as he builds Reading FC team around new arrivals

Reading manager Jaap Stam. Credit: Eddie Greville

Jaap Stam has a number of important calls to make in the coming weeks for his revamped squad.

It was a case of two in and one out for Reading FC during the January transfer window with defender Tommy Elphick and striker Chris Martin arriving and Roy Beerens leaving.

Another important aspect of Reading's transfer activity saw them cling on to defender Liam Moore.

With just 17 games to go, Stam does not have long to mould his new team.

The Dutchman has started with two strikers in the past two games - a change from the sole frontman he has usually played with this season.

He must decide, therefore, how to work in his new players while also keeping the existing ones happy - although one thing he can't do is complain about a lack of options.

Here are a selection of the big calls he faces.

One, two or even three up front?

Stam surely can't leave out new signing Martin, so will be forced to drop either Yann Kermorgant or Jon Dadi Bodvarsson when he plays two up front.

Whether the trio can all play together at the same time is open to debate.

Martin is only available for 16 games (he can't play against parent club Derby County) so Royals will be wanting to get as much out of him as they can.

New Reading signing Chris Martin. Credit: Eddie Greville

He is better with a striking partner so it's likely he will play alongside someone, but Stam may feel a tricky player like Mo Barrow could fit the bill.

And don't forget Sam Smith too, the youngster who shone at the start of the season after a few brief appearances.

A back three or four?

With Paul McShane out for another few weeks at least, Stam's hand is slightly forced.

The arrival of Tommy Elphick softens the blow and the manager now has the option of playing either three, four or even five at the back.

You'd think Liam Moore and Tommy Elphick would be the first-choice central defenders with either Tiago Ilori or Tyler Blackett being used alongside them in a back three.

Chris Gunter could also be part of a three, but is more likely to be used at right back or right wing back. Leandro Bacuna's versatility means he can also play those positions and also on the left side, like Gunter.

Omar Richards is probably better as a wing back but will be a good option to have when back fit.

What to do with Sone Aluko, Pelle Clement and Garath McCleary?

All three players have failed to hit form for Reading so far this season.

Aluko has featured the most out of the three but has largely been a disappointment since his move last summer from Fulham, while the other two have failed to make their mark after being in and out of the team.

Reading's Sone Aluko (right). Credit: Eddie Greville

Stam has to take some responsibility for not getting the best out of them but all will be wanting to prove a point in the next few months.

The manager needs to decide whether he is going to persevere with them and continue to give them chances or slowly show them the way towards the exit door.

getreading reporter Jonathan Low will be providing live coverage of Reading v Millwall on Saturday afternoon from Madejski Stadium.

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