There is no doubt that one of the best (if not, the best) player in the Championship this season is QPR’s star man Adel Taarabt. The Moroccan youngster was the difference in Rangers’ 2-1 victory at home to Coventry at the weekend when he scored his 13th goal of the season and showed his ‘tekkers’ when assisting a through ball for Wayne Routledge to score the winner. Rightly so, his impressive displays this season have made headlines, being linked to Newcastle United or more sensationally, being tipped to play for Real Madrid. However, the question still remains, has he found his level in the Championship or is he ready for the big time?
Let’s not forget that Adel is only 21 years of age and is still learning the game. His permanent move to Loftus Road last summer was crucial in him getting regular first team football in a competitive league. It is an experience he wouldn’t have got if he was at one of the top Premiership clubs. Also, his current manager Neil Warnock has had a significant impact on his career by shaping the Rangers team around him, a free role which suits his style of play; flair and creativity.
When Rangers captain, Fitz Hall got injured at the start of the season, Warnock gave the armband to Taarabt – a bold move at the time considering his age and experience but it has paid off with Adel leading by example on the pitch. Not only is he Rangers’ top scorer this season, he also has 11 assists to his name – a stat which could make the difference in the R’s promotion ambitions.
Regarding his future, Taarabt has said he wants to focus on getting QPR into the Premiership and then ‘he will see’, but hasn’t denied his ambitions for playing at the top level with his admiration for Arsene Wenger and Arsenal’s style of play. Is he ready for a big move in the summer? Or should he gain regular Premier League football with QPR, if they achieve promotion this season?
Adel is a different player from the one that made several appearances for Tottenham Hotspur where he showed an inability to pass to team mates, and despite going missing in the odd game this season, Adel has showed more intelligence to his play. Perhaps he is excelling in this Rangers team because Warnock has made him the talisman, if he was to make a move to bigger club, he will lose that big fish in a small pond title and instead be in a large ocean with bigger fish.
If he does want to move on in his career come the summer, it would have to be a wise move, to a club and manager that will nurture his talents rather than stifle him. Personally, I hope he stays at Rangers for as long as possible because he’s one of the most exciting players we have had in decades.
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