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Upon signing for the Royals Alan Pardew labelled Hahnemann 'the best offensive goalkeeper outside of the Premiership' in tribute to his excellent kicking skills.
Despite the highly-rated distribution and a penalty save for the reserves in mid week the American, capped three times by his country, is likely to be on the bench for the game at Leicester, unable to displace Phil Whitehead.
Hahnemann explained the secret of his kicking success to Teamtalk.com, no dount Whitehead was listening intently: "I practice my distribution quite a lot. I think it's really an important part of my game.
"I used to play up front at High School until I was about 16. I was OK, nothing great, I used to get a few goals because I was quite big, but I couldn't really run so I concentrated on being a goalkeeper.
"Playing outfield helped my kicking and now I stay behind after training and practice with a few balls."
Formerly of Colorado Rapids, the Americans are often criticised for their different methods but in Mexico Hahnemann learnt his excellent kicking technique.
"I picked up the side volley while playing a pre-season in Mexico when I was playing for Colorado Rapids. It's a style they use a lot and it's far more accurate than the half volley.
"A goalkeeper I used to know was awesome at it. The kit man would stand on the halfway line and he would side volley every ball into the bag from his goal."