R’s need to get most out of their flair men
FREEMAN OR EZE SUIT THE HOLE...
JUST when it looked like QPR had turned a corner, two losses in the last week have quickly put a dent in the supporters’ recent optimism. The team that comfortably beat Millwall ten days ago were unrecognisable in defeat against Norwich and three days later the Hoops crashed out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of League One Blackpool.
It was a much-changed side in Lancashire but further proof that there is still plenty of work to do in W12.
The back-to-back defeats followed a run of three wins and a draw, when it looked like new manager Steve McClaren was beginning to win over the doubters.
Doubters
Against Norwich, he reverted back to 4-4-2 from 4-2-3-1, bringing back Tomer Hemed to form a front two with Nahki Wells. The alteration in Rangers’ formation was fully exploited by Norwich.
They packed the middle of the pitch and completely dominated the ball, especially in a chastening opening period for the home team. QPR’s most creative forces Ebere Eze and Luke Freeman played wide in midfield and were forced into defending for long spells. Their attacking impetus was therefore stifled and the only surprise was how long it took the visitors to take advantage.
It wasn’t until the introduction of Matt Smith and a reshuffle that QPR looked like salvaging a point out of the game.
The loan signing of the two strikers – Wells and Hemed - has given everyone at Loftus Road a boost. Just having the extra competition and added firepower means their teammates now have the belief they can hurt the opposition.
That said, pre-weekend the duo had only managed a solitary strike between them in the four games in which they’d been paired.
That is further evidence as to why I think Eze or Freeman should be playing in the hole behind a lone striker where they can have maximum effect.
Either Wells or Hemed would still have a big part to play as an impact substitute. Another alternative would be to use a Jurgen Klopp-style 4-3-3 where there is less of an onus on your wide players tracking back.
Eze in particular has started the season in tremendous fashion. McClaren spoke after the Millwall victory about the necessity for Eze to improve his work-rate and his discipline defensively, sentiments that were very apparent in his following display.
I rate him highly and believe a system to suit him is imperative if the season is to be a successful one.
It’s not just in the forward area where there has been a marked difference. Joe Lumley has had to be very patient in getting a chance in goal but looks to have the ability to soften the blow of Alex Smithies’ summer departure to Cardiff.
The return from injury of Joel Lynch in the centre of defence is a huge plus and it seems to have had a positive effect on the German defender Tony Leistner who endured a nightmare start to life in the capital.
Nightmare
The recent additions of Geoff Cameron and Àngel Rangel have also brought solidity and experience to a squad that was clearly lacking some Championship nous.
It was an unforgiving first month in charge for the new management team magnified, of course, by the 7-1 drubbing at West Brom.
Juggling a wafer-thin squad whilst trying to implement a more patient, passing style of football was always going to be very challenging.
At times last season I felt the personnel and the systems were changed far too frequently. It’s clearer now what the manager wants and I think he has an improved squad and, therefore, a much better chance of being successful.
I’m not suggesting the fans should be preparing for a play-off challenge but I do think any fears of relegation should be left well behind them.