It has been a rollercoaster season for Queens Park Rangers in the Championship this season but till now position-wise they have neither been too prolific nor have they flirted much with the dropout places. With a strong finish to the season being the only realistic target they can achieve now, Ian Holloway’s outfit have to start from scratch next season but then, there are a few assets they cannot afford to let go.
Let us take a look at 3 such players in their camp.
Nedum Onuoha
In the erratic defensive line of QPR, Nedum Onuoha has contributed his part in discharging his duties resiliently and considering that the London-based club aren’t getting a promotion, he is likely to be tempted by a move to a better quality side in the summer. Nonetheless, it would be a huge blunder on QPR’s part if they let him leave, for he has been a consistent performer for his employers this term.
In 33 appearances, the 30-year-old has won 30 tackles with a success rate of 43%, has made 59 tackles, 196 clearances and 24 blocks apart from bagging 2 goals and creating 8 chances. Moreover, he could ply his trade at the heart of the defence as well as on the right, thus making him a utility player.
Alex Smithies
The Hoops’ no. 1 goalkeeper, Alex Smithies, has been fantastic throughout the campaign, making jaw-dropping saves, distributing the ball neatly and commanding the backline like a leader on the pitch. In 34 appearances, the Englishman has collected 5 clean sheets, whilst making as many as 99 saves so far this campaign, implying that he has been forced to make 2.11 saves every game on an average.
If QPR are to make any sort of push for promotion next season, it would be of paramount importance to ensure that they possess the 27-year-old in their ranks.
Massimo Luongo
Midfielder Massimo Luongo has embraced his journey from Australia to QPR with tremendous grit, perseverance and hard work and possesses all the perfect attributes to play in the middle of the park. Despite playing deeper, he has shown occasional bursts of adrenaline which makes him a potent attacking threat as well.
The 24-year-old has the requisite stamina, has a good range of passing and has shown a willingness to attack as well as to defend. Luongo has featured regularly for the Rs this season and it would be foolish of them if they strike him off their books in the summer.
Statistics Credits: Squawka.
