Reading’s Tyler Bindon arrived in Berkshire in the summer relatively unknown to anyone in English football but has made a name for himself so far. Bindon has made 30 appearances in blue and white so far in his debut season and even managed to get himself on the scoresheet once.
At just 18 years old, Bindon travelled across the pond to trial for the Royals, along with various other English clubs. He had been forced to leave his current team, Los Angeles FC, as both his parents made the move to England for new jobs.
Bindon impressed in pre-season games, initially slotting in at full-back, offering a strong range of passing and composure on the ball. On the 7th of August, the 18-year-old signed his first Reading and professional contract, signing for two years.
His debut came in the Carabao Cup against championship-side Millwall, where he partnered Nelson Abbey in central defence – a partnership that would flourish for the rest of the year. Against proven striker Tom Bradshaw, Bindon was able to complete 100% of his tackles and 50% of his duels, a very impressive start to his professional career.
In just his eighth game, Bindon grabbed his first goal for Reading, away to Leyton Orient. Playing as a right back, he arrived late into the box where he was able to divert a ricochet off the post back across goal and into the far corner.
Following his inaugural goal, Bindon has switched his national allegiances from the United States of America to New Zealand. Having played for the USA’s U-19s under former Reading Assistant manager Marko Markovic, Bindon decided to switch to the All Whites when he was called up to their Men’s squad in October.
Just two months into his Reading career, Bindon was already attracting the attention of a couple of ‘bigger’ clubs. It was widely reported that Arsenal had sent scouts to watch Bindon play in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy against Exeter, a game which Reading went on to win 9-0, but Bindon did not feature!
Still only 19 years old, Bindon has been the only real main-stay in Reading’s backline. His normal centre-back partnership with Nelson Abbey came to an end when Abbey transferred to Olympiacos in January. Since then he has played alongside either Tom Holmes or Amadou Mbengue. Ruben Selles has been known to change his full-backs this season so anyone cementing a place in either full-back spot would have done well.
Bindon came into the side having not made a professional appearance before this season, this has not hindered him as he exudes confidence and portrays maturity well beyond his years. The teenager ranks highly statistically as well, operating in the top 20% of similar players for key defensive actions such as recoveries, blocks and interceptions.
He is also more than capable of winning aerial battles, having won 96 so far this season. Although his success rate of 65% is fairly low, Bindon is still young and not as physically imposing as many of the strikers he comes up against, despite this Bindon is more than often able to at least hold his own.
Consistent standout performances so far this season has led to Bindon being an early frontrunner for player of the season, along with fellow summer signing Lewis Wing. The duo have been crucial to anything good that Reading have done this season, Bindon preventing goals and Wing creating and sometimes even scoring them.
Tyler Bindon may well attract the attention of lots of clubs over the summer and Reading are not in the most favourable position to negotiate under the current ownership. However, Bindon’s age, low wage and belief in the pathway paved to him by Mark Bowen and the now-departed Eddie Niedzwiecki may be enough to convince him to stay or even extend his deal.
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