QPR player ratings - 'Lacklustre' and 'off the pace' 4/10s in worrying West Brom wake-up call

Lucas Andersen opened the scoring for QPR.Lucas Andersen opened the scoring for QPR.
Lucas Andersen opened the scoring for QPR. | Getty Images
It’s back to the training ground for Marti Cifuentes and QPR after an opening day humbling in the Championship.

It was a dreary start to the Championship season for QPR as West Brom cruised to a 3-1 victory at Loftus Road on Saturday afternoon.

Baggies striker Josh Maja was the star of the show with a hat-trick, but the visitors weren't made to work too hard for their three points with Marti Cifuentes' side struggling for organisation defensively. QPR supporters did get a first look at new signings Paul Nardi, Zan Celar and Jonathan Varane in competitive action but will leave the stadium hoping that there is more to come.

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Cifuentes will no doubt look to take some positives from the showing with Rayan Kolli a bright spark at times and Lucas Andersen influential. Here's how the QPR players rated.

GK - Paul Nardi, 5

Conceding three on his competitive QPR debut is far from an ideal start for the former Gent man. Nardi wasn't helped for those goals by a skittled QPR defence and did show his talent with a strong save from a Karlan Grant shot in the second half.

LB - Kenneth Paal, 4

The full-back has been linked with a move to Watford.The full-back has been linked with a move to Watford.
The full-back has been linked with a move to Watford. | Getty Images

Consistent last season but off the pace as the Championship got underway today. Watford are reportedly weighing up a bid for the full-back but that performance won't help the R's demand a higher price. QPR had looked stronger defensively on the left early on but Paal was left wanting for the second and third goals.

CB - Steve Cook, 5

The QPR back four lacked organisation on Saturday. It'd be harsh to hold Cook at fault for that but the side were crying for someone to take charge. Did make an impressive and neat intervention as the Baggies countered in the second half, as well as firing off a late shot from a set piece.

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CB - Jake Clarke-Salter, 5

Composed early on but looked sluggish at times. The centre-back was outmanoeuvred for the West Brom opener.

RB - Jimmy Dunne, 4

Grew to look comfortable at full-back last season but a lacklustre showing today made him look a fish out of water. West Brom had a lot of joy down that flank early on and Dunne was easily outjumped by Maja for the striker's second.

CDM - Jack Colback, 4

QPR struggled for control in midfield.QPR struggled for control in midfield.
QPR struggled for control in midfield. | Getty Images

A largely anonymous showing in the centre of midfield as QPR struggled to find some bite. Not his usual industrious self.

CDM - Sam Field, 5

Finished the season so strongly last time out but another who was not up to his own standards. A nifty intervention to hook the ball away from danger in the penalty box early on is the type of moment he's capable of but not enough of that today.

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LW - Rayan Kolli, 7

Had a big task today filling in for Ilias Chair but the 19-year-old looked well up for it. Lively during his time on the pitch and picked out a peach of a cross to tee up Andersen for the opening. Perhaps overworked the ball at times but the teenager is one positive from a frustrating opener.

CAM - Lucas Andersen, 7

Showed lots of hustle and bustle, that liveliness helping him bag QPR's first goal of the season. Andersen will clearly be heavily involved in the R's best attacking moments this season.

RW - Paul Smyth, 6

Paul Smyth started at right wing for QPR.Paul Smyth started at right wing for QPR.
Paul Smyth started at right wing for QPR. | Getty Images

Struggled to influence the match. When the winger did manage to get the ball at his feet, showed some drive and desire to progress moves up the pitch. This is still clearly a priority recruitment area for the club.

ST - Zan Celar, 4

Having plundered 21 goals in all competitions for FC Lugano last season, QPR supporters may have hoped to see some more threat from their new signing against West Brom. The physicality of the Championship will take some getting used to for the striker, who lacked bite today.

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SUB - Alfie Lloyd, 5

Was one of the QPR players at fault for the third goal when performing his defensive role. His only real moment of note was a decent shot from distance with five minutes left on the clock.

SUB - Jonathan Varane, 6

Little chance to see the new arrival from Sporting de Gijon in his cameo. The R’s did gain a little more control with the midfielder on the pitch.

SUB - Michael Frey, 5

His physicality probably did add more for QPR up top than Celar offered but lashed at a half-chance that fell to him in the dying embers.

A tough task asking the 18-year-old to help change the game late on as QPR struggle for attacking impetus.

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