Neil Warnock believes Adel Taarabt is beginning to prove his critics wrong this season.
QPR’s Morocco international made an indifferent start to the campaign after missing out on a move to French side Paris St Germain during the summer, and his sluggish displays against Bolton and Everton in the opening weeks of the season led to questions over the midfielder’s desire and fitness.
Warnock relieved Taarabt of the captaincy, handing the armband to new signing Joey Barton, but Taarabt’s impressive reponse off the field, coupled with lively performances against Newcastle and Wolves have delighted the Rs boss.
“I think he’s answered everybody, not just in matches, but in training as well, from day one he’s been excited,” said Warnock.
“He has responded really well to Joey, I thought they might clash, I’m sure they will at some stage, but Adel’s responded, I think he’s been delighted to get someone like that playing with him.
“Last season, he was a star name in his own eyes, and in the media’s eyes. But from a manager’s eyes, Paddy Kenny, [Shaun] Derry, [Alejandro] Faurlin and [Heidar] Helguson were just as important.
“We got promotion from being a team, Adel was like the icing on the cake. This year I don’t think we’ve got any individuals, I think Adel’s fitting into the system the way we want to play.”
