An excellent start to the season has settled down into the season everyone expected.
QPR go into the international break in 16th place, after a disappointing September which has seen just one win in six games.
After 11 games, the league is starting represent a realistic view of how the teams are performing, but how would you assess the performance of the QPR squad.
I've rated all of the Hoops on a scale of 1-10 based on their displays this term, which of course are relative to what is expected of the QPR squad both individually and collectively.
My squad ratings are:
Alex Smithies – 8
An ever-present in goal, Smithies has been crucial for QPR this term making numerous key saves. One of the league’s top goalkeepers for sure.
Darnell Furlong – 6
Has looked capable in his appearances but has been caught out of position at times. Still very young but a capable squad player.
Alex Baptiste – 8
Has proven to be an excellent signing since arriving from Middlesbrough. Baptiste has got better every week and is now a key member of the starting XI. Would be the signing of the summer if it wasn’t for the form of Josh Scowen.
Nedum Onuoha – 7
Made a fairly solid start to the season, despite a couple of mistakes. The news that he’s due to miss three months of the season is a real blow as his experience is vital to the team.
Joel Lynch – 6
Looked error-prone at the start of the season and was at fault for Fulham’s penalty on Friday night. Lynch will be looking to kick on as he builds his match fitness in the coming weeks.
James Perch – 6
We haven’t seen Perch since the opening weeks of the season but he did look relatively solid when in the team. He’ll face real competition for places when he returns from injury.
Steven Caulker – 6
We haven’t seen enough of Caulker to really judge. When he has played he has looked a little rusty, but it’s clear that QPR have a quality player on their hands and hopefully we will see this as he works his way back to full fitness.
Jack Robinson – 8
Has had an excellent start to the season despite looking set to be a back-up. Injuries have worked in Robinson’s favour but he’s certainly taken his chance when called upon.
Jake Bidwell – 7
Has gone quietly about his business but seems to be slowly building in confidence. Needs to work on his final delivery in the final third.
Ariel Borysiuk – 6
Has had limited chances despite having an excellent pre-season. Has fallen out of the match-day squad and you wonder whether his days at Loftus Road could be numbered.
Josh Scowen – 9
What can we say about Scowen? He’s been very much the signing of the summer, and as consistent a performer as you’re likely to find. Fingers crossed the Hoops can keep him fit as he’s already established himself as a crucial player for the team.
Luke Freeman – 9
Another player who has enjoyed an excellent start to the season. Freeman is the main creative force In the QPR team and it’s crucial that the Hoops keep him fit over the coming months.
Ryan Manning – 6
The young midfielder hasn’t had many chances to shine but has shown glimpses of what he can do. He needs to work on his consistency if he’s to force his way into the team on a regular basis.
Massimo Luongo – 8
Luongo is enjoying a fine run of form. It seems that playing alongside Scowen and Freeman is allowing the Australian to play his natural game; something which certainly seems to be working in his favour.
Yeni Ngbakoto – 5
A disappointing campaign for the DR Congo international. Yeni has struggled to force his way into Ian Holloway’s plans, and hasn’t impressed at all when called upon. Something has to change if the 25-year-old is to have a future at Loftus Road.
Pawel Wszolek – 7
A solid start to the season for the Poland International. Wszolek started the season as a dangerous part of QPR’s attack but has failed to hit those heights in recent weeks, struggling to get around the full-back and missing several key chances.
Kazenga Lua Lua – 6
Has struggled with a family bereavement and so it’s unfair to judge based on the last few weeks, however the admission that he turned up late to training hasn’t helped the winger who needs to kick on in the coming weeks.
Bright Osayi-Samuel – 6
Hard to judge off the just two appearances, but the winger doesn’t quite look ready to compete at this level. However it is early days and the midfielder will no doubt improve physically and tactically over the coming months.
Michael Petrasso – 6
We haven’t seen a great deal of Petrasso but he looks to be an exciting talent. Could benefit from more exposure to the first ream.
David Wheeler – 6
Has shown early signs of what he is about and certainly looks like he can do a job at this level. He did very well against recently-relegated Middlesbrough and will be hoping to force his way into the starting XI in the coming weeks.
Jamie Mackie – 7
It’s been a typical start to the season for Mackie. He’s worked tirelessly and very much set the standard in terms of work rate for his team-mates, while also getting a couple of goals along the way.
Conor Washington – 7
Will be frustrated with his goal tally for the season. You can’t knock the job he’s done for the team but he’ll certainly be hoping to become a more regular goalscorer after ending his dry spell against Fulham.
Matt Smith – 7
It’s hard to see what else Matt Smith can do to get into the first team. When called upon the target man has been a real handful and has been crucial in QPR’s ability to grab late goals in a number of games. In my opinion Smith should be rewarded with more starts for the Hoops.
Idrissa Sylla – 6
Has shown glimpses of the threat he poses in the final third but doesn’t always look entirely committed. Needs to show more if he’s to become a first team regular.
But how would you rate the QPR squad's performances so far? Have your say using our widget below!
