QPR - A team to be cautious against?

As the transfer market is coming to an end, everyone has become surprised by the buying power of one team – QPR. If signing Bosingwa and Park was not enough, the recent additions of Esteban Granero, Julio Cesar, Robert Green, Junior Hoilett, Fabio, Andy Johnson, Ryan Nelsen and Samba Diakite must surely suffice for them.

Will these transfers help them? Certainly. No doubt about it. One may ask,”they signed star players last season too, like Traore, Ferdinand and Shaun Wright-phillips. But they didn’t perform, did they?” A valid point. But the answer is, they were star players, but not suited to the QPR style of play. For a team which relies heavily on crosses and long balls, a good winger and central midfielder are necessary. And a good center forward was lacking in QPR last season.

And they didn’t get that last season. But this season is different. They have made all the right signings and have a squadfit for top 10 finishes, at the least. With the likes of Cesar, Fabio, Bosingwa, Granero, Hoilett and Johnson are top class. And exactly the kind of players QPR needed.Here’s a quick review of their more classier signings:

1) Julio Cesar

He’s one of the best keepers of our time. 32 year old, he’s not too old for a goalie. He’s known for his amazing saves. Saving penalties comes naturally to him. In ’09, he was voted as the 3rd best keeper in the world and was nominated for the 09/10 Ballon d’Or too. He was the only goalkeeper except Casillas to be nominated.

2) Esteban Granero

The Spanish midfielder, also known as ‘El Pirata’ or ‘The pirate’, is one of the best attacking midfielders in the world. Renowned for his pinpoint passes and accurate shots, he’s a defender’s worst nightmare. Though not making the starting XI last year with Real Madrid, the 25 year old has many years ahead of him, and joining QPR has ensured that he will make the best of them.Definitely the right move by both QPR and Granero.

3) Junior Hoilett

Junior Hoilett, though not one of the best in the world, is definitely a good player in his price range. Being a winger, he will provide QPR with the width they most desperately needed. Known for his crosses, this 22 year old will definitely help QPR in a big way.

4) Jose Bosingwa

Bosingwa had an extremely successful season. He played an integral goal in Chelsea‘s Champions League and FA cup titles. He has the ability to run down the wings and provide excellent crosses. And he can score goals too. He also has the pace. He has already added to his tally of goals for QPR by scoring against Walsall. For 5 mil, he’s a steal.

5) Fabio Pereira Da Silva

Fabio and his twin brother Rafael were signed by SAF in 2007. Both of them are extremely talented players. But it is a known fact that Rafael is the better player. Fabio has been bought on loan by QPR for this season. His season has not gotten off to a good start, getting a yellow card against Swansea in QPR’s 5-0 defeat. But maybe he’ll prove himself later this season. At the moment, he’s one of the best young footballing talents.

6) Andy Johnson

Andy Johnson has enjoyed some good seasons at Fulham. One of the integral parts of their team, he has scored often for them and gotten them out of some sticky situations. Now he joins his former manager Mark Hughes, under whom he had flourished at Fulham. Widely known for his finishing skills, he’s a real asset to the QPR team.

7) Samba Diakite

After agreeing to play for QPR on loan for the rest of the season in January, Samba has proved to be a good holding midfielder. Though his debut was very bad (he got sent off after 33 minutes after committing 2 bookable offences), he made amends for that by scoring the winning goal for QPR in their 2-1 victory over Arsenal. QPR have signed him for 3.5 million.

After making these signings, QPR do look like a formidable side. But it all rests in the hands of Mark Hughes’ hands now. He has a capable side, and must now turn them into a winning team.