Sone Aluko has been training with The Rams. The 32 year old striker is currently a free agent having been released by Reading this summer. We spoke with Simeon Pickup, editor of The Tilehurst End to find out out the veteran forward and what he could bring to The Rams.
Aluko made 36 appearances in all competitions for Reading last season. How did he perform?
Pretty well for the most part. Besides one fantastic individual display in a 1-0 win over Watford, he was solid if unspectacular. I didn't feel he was a clear weak link at any stage, but didn't do too much to justify getting more regular football and his involvement waned as the campaign progressed.
In those 36 appearances he only scored twice. Not a great return for a striker. Why did he have such a low goal tally?
Although he can play as a striker, I'd classify him as more of a versatile forward who plays in support of the striker. Even excluding his position on the pitch, he's never been that prolific though, although his goals last season (sneaking in behind at Bournemouth and heading home a cross at Brentford) had quality to them.
He made a lot of appearances last year, which from the outside looking in, I’d assume he was an important member of the squad. Why was he released?
Finances predominantly. It's believed that he was on big wages after being snapped up from then-promotion rivals Fulham in 2017, and given his poor performances in a Reading shirt over the years, it was a no-brainer to release him. We would have moved him on much earlier if it had been possible, but I doubt any club would have agreed to take on his wages, and a small squad last season effectively forced him back into consideration.
How would you sum up his time at the Madejski Stadium?
A huge waste of money. Having cost something in the region of £7 million it was hoped that he'd be the extra bit of quality to push us into the Premier League, but for most of his Reading career he was anything but. His first 18 months were particularly bad, and although there were flashes of quality in early 2019 and at points last season, he simply didn’t justify the outlay.
I noticed that he had a loan spell at Beijing Renhe in the Chinese Super League in 2019. What led to that move? Was it a success?
Somewhat ironically that actually came just as he was starting to turn a corner, midway through the 2018/19 season. The move was however completely financial: Renhe are owned by our owner (Dai Yongge); to help out with Financial Fair Play he took the opportunity to loan Aluko to our sister club and include a healthy loan fee. Annoyingly, getting information on Chinese league football is pretty difficult so I didn't keep up to speed with how he got on.
What type of striker is Aluko?
Much more of a versatile forward than an out-and-out striker. In our 4-2-3-1 last season he fitted in comfortably on both wings and as a number 10, while he's also previously appeared as a false nine for Reading and Fulham. He lacks outright pace or strength, so don't expect him to race off down the wing or bulldoze his way through a defence.
What are his strengths?
Positional versatility, close control and ball retention. He's pretty good at drifting around the pitch to link up play.
What are his weaknesses?
More than anything I'd say a lack of confidence. For the most part he's a player with a well-rounded skillset, but a pretty awful first 18 months at Reading showed that when he lacks confidence, he sinks into himself and goes missing. Besides that, his end product isn't so sharp and he's not a great finisher.
What’s the best formation and/or tactics to get the best out of Sone Aluko?
Giving him a free role as a number 10 is certainly the best way to get the most out of him. He needs that ability to drift across the pitch and pick up the ball in different areas without the defensive responsibility of a wide player. Tactics wise he'd suit a side that has more of the ball so he can be more involved, but pressing isn’t his strong suit.
What is he like in the dressing room?
He seems to be relatively quiet so it's difficult to judge too much, but he seems to be a decent enough bloke. I never got the impression that he was overtly selfish or sulky. Other players have referred to him jokingly as "Uncle Aluko" – I guess him having a nickname shows he's regarded pretty well, even if it plays up his experience.
Can he still play at Championship level?
He'll be a solid enough option, but more as someone to be rotated into the side and come off the bench. He's not at the level of starting week in week out for a top-half side.
What would you expect from him next season in the Championship with Derby County?
I'll be fascinated to see how he bounces back from a poor spell in his career. If he can psych himself up for a new challenge he'll be a decent albeit unspectacular signing for Derby, being a useful option out wide or as a number 10 for a year or two.
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