Reading FC

Gylfi Sigurdsson had played for close to six years with Alex Pearce, but is now off to Germany to begin his new life
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Gylfi Sigurdsson 'always destined for the big time'

By Jonny Fordham
September 03, 2010

Wonderkid Gylfi Sigurdsson was always destined for the top according to childhood friend and ex-team-mate Alex Pearce.

Sigurdsson became Reading’s record sale when he completed a £7million move to Hoffenheim on Monday.

Rising through the ranks at Madejski Stadium, the deal represents a great piece of business for the club who couldn’t turn down the advances of the German Bundesliga side for a player they have trained since the age of 15.

And Pearce said that it was a great pleasure to play with the Iceland international over the years.

He told getreading: “Gylfi has always had that class about him and been technically very good.

“He works hard in training and does extra practice outside of it. We all knew he would have a very good career.

“It’s funny, because when we were 15 or 16 Gylfi wouldn’t say boo to a goose!

“Gylfi has been fantastic, especially since the gaffer came in.

“We went on an unbelievable run and he scored some vital goals for us. His overall game was brilliant and that attracts interest.

“I would love to go and see him play out in Germany, but it’s just finding the time.

“It would be nice to do that with some of the other boys from the Academy.

“If you train hard, play hard and live life the right way then success will come to you.

“We’ve received a good amount of money for him and I’m sure the club and manager will make the best use of that.”

With the cash the club received from the sale of Sigurdsson, manager Brian McDermott acted quickly to bring in defensive cover to bolster his injury-hit squad.

Royals ended the 2-1 Championship win over Leicester City last weekend with winger Jobi McAnuff at right-back and natural right-back Shaun Cummings filling in at left-back.

Captain Matt Mills had to play close to 70 minutes with an ankle injury, but now Royals can call on versatile defenders Zurab Khizanishvili and Ian Harte if needed.

Both signed for Royals on transfer deadline day.

“We needed cover in all positions, especially at the back,” explained 21-year-old Pearce.

“So it definitely helps that we’ve got these players in now.

“I used to watch them all when they were in the Premier League – now they’re training with us.

“It’s great for the younger players to learn off people like that who know what it takes to play at the top level.”

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pearce is a squad player at this level at the moment, he needs a couple more years to get his positioning right and his anticipation. he is still a very good prospect at this level, but with time and experience will come consistancy. the thing is, where does he get that experience? and can a club such as us afford to have a centre back make the error of judgements that he makes when we are not winning games regularly?

ajr111, swindon
06/09/2010 at 16:06

pearce has been superb in th elast two games hes played. all of you lot giving him grief need to shut up and let the boy develop. pace isnt everything-despite english football being obsessed with it

wendy mcbrendy, crow on the thorne
06/09/2010 at 09:49

I detest the disrespect shown to talented posters who post at a very high level. So posters have their limits technically, mentally and physically, but who needs no marks to allude to that by making snide comments.

Bushes Bernal, The Hop Leaf
04/09/2010 at 18:38

I detest the disrespect shown to talented players who play at a very high level. So players have their limits technically, mentally and physically, but who needs no marks to allude to that by making snide comments

Fanad Man, Reading
04/09/2010 at 12:34

Correct!

Shaun Long, Reading
03/09/2010 at 16:51

Ummmm....

You, Shaun Long? You?

Rufus
03/09/2010 at 16:49

Guess who's NOT destined for the big time, Alex?

Take your time...

Shaun Long, Reading
03/09/2010 at 16:27

I suspect there will be various jokes about him having time to go out and see Gylfi play. Now that Zurab is around and Ingimarsson will soon be back fit.

TBF I think he has done alright however!

Robsy , Reading
03/09/2010 at 12:56

“We needed cover in all positions, especially at the back,” explained 21-year-old Pearce. “So it definitely helps that we’ve got these players in now."

Turkey in voting for Christmas shocker.