Taarabt can be key for QPR - Derry ESPNsoccernet staff April 2, 2012 « Strauss not thinking about stepping down | Injured Woakes to miss two months » Adel Taarabt's form will be crucial to Queens Park Rangers' hopes of Premier League survival believes Shaun Derry © Getty Images Enlarge Shaun Derry has spoken of his belief that Adel Taarabt can provide the spark to keep QPR in the Premier League this season. Taarabt, 22, was on top form against Arsenal on Saturday, inspiring QPR to a 2-1 win over a Gunners side previously unbeaten in seven games. The Moroccan international grabbed his first goal of the season, having been amongst the top-scorers in the Championship last year. "Adel was outstanding," Derry told reporters. "It was a last-year performance from him, when he was incredible, and his goal was from the top drawer. "Hopefully that will give him the confidence to score more vital goals and produce those type of performances between now and the middle of May." Derry was at a loss to explain Taarabt's inconsistency this season, but believes that the youngster can turn it on from now until May. "He's got such raw ability that he absolutely took the league by storm last year. I don't know why it's taken so long to reproduce it. "There is a lot of responsibility on his shoulders after what he did last year. Everyone was looking for Adel to be the shining light. "It's not been the case, just as it hasn't been the case with the new players that have arrived. But hopefully we can look back in May and say this was one of the highlights. "It is all about mindset now, we need to focus on the task in hand. It is going to take some huge performances and great results to keep us in the Premier League." Manager Mark Hughes was similarly praising of Taarabt's performance post-match, but knows that the playmaker must perform to his best more often. "You cannot just flit in and flit out," Hughes said of his player. "He really understood he needed to do the defensive work well and the goal was really well taken. "Adel is an undoubted talent, he just needs to harness it. If he listens to what myself and the coaches tell him, then he will be a top Premier League player. He just has to understand how he can use his ability to the best and he is learning very quickly."
Derry was also quoted as saying that he can get carried away if things do go well so I just hope everyone keeps him grounded. The lad is more talented than anyone else at the club and so, naturally, could easily be the difference between average Rs and unstoppable Rs. If he does make the difference then it'll be great viewing and he should rightly go into QPR folklore.
True enough about Taarabt, although we all know his failure to find consistent form earlier has been about adjusting to prem standards and getting his head right. He's clearly got the basics in place now and his and our future depends as much on him maintaining standards between now and the end of the season, as anything else. But for us, it's not just about Taarabt is it? We need the team, including subs, to play for each other and keep things tight. The really good news is that recent performances have shown we're no longer dependent on one or two players to score the goals for us. They can come from anywhere: Young, Hill, Gabbidon, Taiwo, Derry, Barton, Diakite, Mackie, Taarabt, Zamora, Cisse, Smith, Helguson and even... Bothroyd and Campbell (remember them?). Wow, when did we that happen? Wouldn't have dared think it a few weeks ago!! Bodes well for the tough run-in.
Everyone needs to stop talking about Adel NOW!! Remember his past Sky performances? If he gets built up too much this week I can see him trying TOO HARD on Sunday!!
I think a mention should be given to Colly as he flagged this very thing last week, IE Tarbs being key. In fact if he turns out to be crucial in staying up, I'll buy COL a couple of Guinness' should our paths cross at LR next season! When the goal went in I gave ye a mention on the QPR v Arsenal match thread Colly ye Wally!
Colly?!! Yeah I read through the match thread. It's always entertaining to see all the comments from those who aren't at the game. But thanks for the recognition Swords. I did indeed suggest that we play a system that allows Adel to get further forward. Hopefully MH will stick with it till Cisse returns, when his team selection will be VERY interesting!! Oh....and if you ever get the chance, I'd be glad to share a pint with you.
