Just How Good Is QPR’s Adel Taarabt?

I am not a huge follower of Championship Football, but QPR’s young Moroccan Adel Taarabt has stood out this season like a sore thumb. Since his move from Tottenham, Taarabt has been QPR’s success story, playing with maturity on the field and putting in some incredible performances. For those of you who are QPR fans or Championship fans alike…just how good is Adel Taarabt? From what I have seen, he seems a world class talent in the making, in that he could become an outstanding player.

It was Martin Jol that brought Taarabt to Tottenham, a move which seemed perfect for the player and the Manager. Nine months later however, Jol lost his job, leaving Taarabt a frustrated player who was reportedly very difficult to manage. Neil Warnock seems to have changed this, managing Taarabt and implementing into a very successful system at QPR that sees them lying nine points clear at the top of the Championship table.

Last nights’ Championship Player of the Year Award went to Taarabt; and deservedly so. Warnock seems to have got the best out of the Moroccan, who at 21 years of age has a long career ahead of him. Warnock stated that “He’s the most talented player I’ve ever seen.” Warnock, a veteran to the management game would not use these words for any old player. Harry Redknapp was not really sure where to fit Taarabt into Tottenham’s wealth of Midfield talent, however Warnock £1m talent has taken a hotly contested championship by storm.

Playing as an Attacking Midfielder, Taarabt has scored 15 Championship goals and a host of assists. From what I have seen he has fantastic movement, both on and off the ball; finding pockets in behind his opponent’s Midfield. He looks particularly strong moving with the ball, which at times has seen him make some of the Championships strongest defenders looks silly.

QPR require 15 points from their last eight games to ensure promotion to the Premier League. Taarabt speaks very highly of Neil Warnock; suggesting that he is a manager who has learnt how to control him and get the best from him. I imagine Taarabt will remain at QPR next season. I must say it will be very exciting to see him up against some of the Premier League’s finest. Where players like Charlie Adam have thrived, Taarabt will surely surpass the Ian Holloway’s talisman in terms of achievement. Let’s hope that QPR get the points they need as quickly as possible. Until then, Taarabt will remain one of the main reasons for watching Championship Football!

DH