After defender Louie Holzman made his league debut in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw at Barnsley, Reading boss Ruben Selles lauded the young player.
Davis Keillor-Dunn’s early goal in the first half was overturned by Sam Smith’s quickfire brace in the second half, but Josh Earl’s goal held the Royals at bay and secured the sixth straight draw between the two teams at Oakwell.
The only alteration from Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Peterborough United was the substitution of Holzman, 21, for the injured Amadou Mbengue.
With two uncles and a grandfather having played for Reading Football Club, Holzman has a family history with the team. He made his debut in 2021, the year of the memorable FA Cup elimination to Kidderminster Harriers.
Our Academy produced Jake Cooper, an uncle who played 54 games for the first team.
Father Gary Holzman was in the YTS.
Uncle Steve Holzman was in the YTS.
In 1991–94, Mark Holzman, his uncle, played 43 games for Reading.
Grandfather Alan Cooper played with Reading from 1969 to 1972.
But until last night, his cup minutes had not translated to league play.
Selles praised Holzman’s performance, saying: “We played him [many of balls into the box] for precisely that reason. Although Abraham [Kanu] has been playing well, we thought that the match against Peterborough would best showcase his skills.
“We had a few requests for Louie today. First, he demonstrated his ability to defend long balls and duals in the air, which he did. Secondly, in an attempt to defend? attempting to get Tyler [Bindon] into a position where we can play more centrally from the left-hand side in some of the second actions. I believe it was successful.
“The players trust the work we have done with them, and I trust them. He will undoubtedly react when we have a guy like him on the field.
After receiving five yellow cards, Mbengue was not only hurt but also suspended. He should be ready to play in League One against Cambridge United on Tuesday.
On Sunday, the Royals play non-league Harborough Town in the second round of the FA Cup.
Leave a Reply