Since joining QPR permanently in the summer Adel Taarabt has been the player of the season in every sense of the term, and on Sunday night he was rightly recognised as the league’s finest. LFW gets all carried away…

These are the good old days

For most newspapers coverage of the Championship, despite its huge importance to thousands upon thousands of sports fans in this country, rarely stretches further than a league table next to a short report on how the team at the top of the league did.

When they’re not packing pages full of rugby union nobody cares about, or another cricket match two days after the last one and two days before the next, or the absolute very latest on the John Terry England captaincy issue occasionally sports editors allow a feature on our ever popular, consistently ignored, division to slip through the net. And for months they have come, seen, marvelled, and then written a piece comparing Adel Taarabt to Rodney Marsh, or Stan Bowles, or both.

It’s the obvious hook to hang your copy on. Marsh and Bowles were tremendously talented loose cannons who played their best football with QPR, who could do things with a ball that nobody else could, who entertained and enthralled and who were ultimately flawed in their personalities.

Adel Taarabt is all of those things. When you want him to pass it he holds onto it, when you think he cannot possibly wriggle out of a situation he does, when you think he must score he doesn’t and when you think he cannot possibly trouble the goalkeeper he sends one screaming into the top corner. Against Leicester recently he sent a free kick in from a wide area with pace, zip, whip and accuracy that Heidar Helguson headed a faction over the bar. Two minutes later, from exactly the same position, he hit a delivery so wild it actually ended up in the Q Block which, as if you didn’t know, sits above the corner flag on the far side of the ground from where he was striking the ball from. It would have been a hard spot to hit, even if he’d been trying to do it.

That’s Taarabt – unpredictable, exciting, ridiculous. Against Coventry in January he ghosted between two defenders and scored a brilliant first goal before laying a late winner on a plate for Wayne Routledge with an outside of the boot pass from tight to the touchline the likes of which I can scarcely ever recall seeing before. Six days later at Hull he became angry and frustrated in a dire first half and went on strike for the final ten minutes before half time – asking to be substituted and standing motionless in the middle of the field refusing to play. It’s this flawed genius in Hoops that cannot help but inspire comparisons to similar QPR mavericks of the past.

But I’ve always thought a comparison that should have been made more often is with Juan Roman Riquelme – a similarly mercurial Argentinean with a similarly suspect temperament. Riquelme started his career at Boca Juniors before being transferred to Barcelona in 2002 and it is in Spain where the comparisons with Taarabt start to come through. At Tottenham Taarabt arrived with a big reputation as “the new Zidane” but Spurs could never find a place for him in their team consistently. At the Nou Camp Riquelme was described as a “political signing” by manager Louis Van Gaal who played him as a winger, when he played him at all. It was only when Taarabt moved to QPR, and Riquelme went to Villarreal, that fans really got to see the best of them.

Riquelme was a stick I would frequently use to beat managers in this country with – including, ironically, Neil Warnock. At Villarreal they recognised the value of Riquelme’s vision and passing ability and put him right at the heart of their midfield. This required them to play a further two central midfield players to do the defensive work, covering, tackling and graft that Riquelme simply wouldn’t. Villarreal ended up in a Champions League semi final against Arsenal with a team built entirely around one man – a system designed to get the best from one player. And Villarreal aren’t too much bigger than QPR when you look at their history and support base.

Riquelme, I would regularly write on this site, would never have succeeded in England because he would never have found a manager here willing to build an entire team around him – a team to bring out his best and cover for his faults. I cited the traditional English managers like Warnock, Peter Reid and others who would force Riquelme to play wide in a 4-4-2 and suffocate him with defensive duties and channel ball football then throw crockery at him when he fails to pick up his man at a corner. In my defence, Warnock himself admits he would never have tolerated Taarabt earlier in his career.

But not only has Warnock tolerated Taarabt, he’s positively indulged him. He has built a QPR side around him with an attacking trio for him to rotate around and find space, a lone striker to take the brunt of the physical abuse and provide service in attacking areas, two holding midfield players to sweep up his mistakes, and two defensively minded full backs to keep the back four tight behind him. We’re by no means a one man team, but one of the primary aims of the QPR team this season has been to get Taarabt on the ball, in space, in areas where he can hurt teams, and the rewards have been simply stunning.

This week Taarabt was crowned as the Championship’s Player of the Year and nobody deserves the award more than him. However it’s telling that he’s far from a shoo in for the QPR Player of the Year. In all likelihood Taarabt will win it but fans recognise that people like Heidar Helguson in front of him and Shaun Derry, Alejandro Faurlin, Clint Hill and Paddy Kenny behind him have done vital work in laying a platform on which he can perform. For a team top of the league you would expect there to be plenty of candidates for the big individual honours at the end of season awards but it’s testament to the team Neil Warnock has built here that there are five good, strong candidates as well as Taarabt and had Jamie Mackie stayed fit for the entire season that probably would have numbered six.

And let’s give further credit – yes Taarabt is prone to theatrical falls and dives in attempts to win set pieces, but he’s actually as tough as an old boot. How many times has Taarabt had treatment from the physio this season? He hadn’t missed a Championship match until the weekend and that was a family bereavement issue that saw him miss out there. He is subjected to some horrendous tactics to try and stop him – Reading and Forest at home spring to mind – and yet he always bounces back up. Although I suspect that’s often because he wants to take the free kick himself.

It astonishes me that there are still people out there who question Taarabt’s worth to our team. Steve Claridge says Scott Sinclair is the Championship Player of the Year because he defends better – despite previously saying QPR are top because they have Adel Taarabt. As ever, that clunge is best ignored. I chuckle to myself sitting in F Block listening to the abuse build up around me when Taarabt tries two or three things that don’t come off, and I smile when I think back to the Bristol City away game when people wanted him dropped, and the summer when some were not convinced we should sign him at all.

To those who still scream at him when he fails to pass it, or takes on too many players, or throws a tantrum I say what I’ve said all season – you’re missing the point. If everything Taraabt tried came off, he wouldn’t be playing for QPR. Because he has the confidence to try ridiculous things, and they come off far more often than they would for any other player in this league, he’s an incredible player for us to have but the only reason we do have him is because of his failings. By abusing him for holding onto the ball too long or losing his rag you’re asking him to get rid of the things that keep him here. Take the bad times and put up with them, because the good times are incredible with him.

The fourth goal we scored against Swansea, where Taarabt back flicks the ball to Faurlin and then receives it back before outrageously nutmegging Joe Allen and then curling the ball into the bottom corner form 25 yards is my favourite but there are 15 to choose from, and 19 assists besides. People say he’s not as good as Bowles and Marsh – is he really that far off? People who’ve seen all three will no doubt tell me he’s miles away, but is he really?

He’s certainly the most talented player I’ve ever seen at QPR in my time following the club, and Neil Warnock has found a way to harness and use that ability where the pillocks that went before him like old friend of the site Paul Hart couldn’t even find a place for him in their team. In Hart’s case he preferred Patrick Agyemang instead.

All being well Taarabt will be a Premiership player with QPR next season, a fitting reward for a player who has lit up the entire season in W12 and has actually made watching football a lot of fun again .

Highs and Lows

Taarabt’s top three moments of the season so far:

1 – November 27, Cardiff H

Taarabt scores a winning goal that, whilst not his best of the season in my opinion, proved a catalyst for us pulling away from an increasingly ragged Cardiff outfit. Not only did he win a tackle against a full back wide on the right (admittedly after having one of his many poor corner kicks cleared back out to him) but he then carried the ball into the area and scored past Heaton with panache. Watching the goal again, having set the ball on a path across the penalty area Taarabt remains within touching distance of it and gives the impression that he is dribbling the ball, in fact he never touches it again and yet manages to sell such outrageous dummies with his body swerves and shoulder drops that two Cardiff players head in different directions creating space for him to find the net when he does eventually make contact with the ball.

2 – Boxing Day, Swansea H

The fourth goal in this game is one of my favourite QPR goals of all time. With Rangers in cruise control against what is arguably the second best team in the league Taarabt collected the ball tight to the touchline and laid it back to Faurlin, the Argentinean gave him it back and from there the fun began. First Taarabt produces a gratuitous back flick pass to Faurlin, then receiving the ball for a third time he outrageously nutmegs the onrushing Joe Allen, who can only turn away and shrug in frustrated disbelief, before carrying the ball a further five yards and lashing it into the far bottom corner past Dorus de Vries. A ludicrous goal.

3 – November 6, Reading H

In a game where Reading’s tactics revolved around kicking Taarabt and surrounding the referee with three players at all times to intimidate him, the Moroccan was a revelation – scoring a penalty that he had brilliantly won and setting up goals for Faurlin and Smith. This performance, probably his best of the season, came just a fortnight after the Friday night at Bristol City which was arguably his worst show of the campaign and sparked calls for him to be left out of the side.

And three he would probably rather forget

1 – January 29, Hull A

Frustrated by a more direct approach from QPR, and Hull surrounding him with three men at all times, Taarabt lost the plot midway through the first half and refused to take any more part in the game. He signalled to the bench that he wanted to come off, and ambled around the pitch showing no interest. That was, until Rangers were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area and then he wanted to take it. Not only that but he wanted to fight with Shaun Derry and the other players who tried to calm him down. He returned for the second half, giving his team mates a kiss before the kick off to apologise. All of which went down an absolute treat with the notoriously open minded KC Stadium regulars.

2 – October 22, Bristol City A

QPR waited a long time for their first televised fixture of the season, and when it finally came Taarabt was determined to be the centre of attention. His selfishness in possession reached new heights and he actually ended up stifling the team through his own greed and belief he could do it all himself. He was substituted early in the second half but has improved markedly in the subsequent live matches.

3 – February 26, Middlesbrough A

The method by which Taarabt and Helguson choose to take the penalties this season seems a bit of a mystery – at the Riverside Stadium it came to a head when Taarabt insisted on taking the spot kick despite Helguson being on a hat trick. An on field row ensued between Taarabt, Helguson and peacemaker Shaun Derry and although the goal was duly scored this could have bread resentment and problems in a less united camp.

Photo: Action Images

DublinQPR74 added 00:05 - Mar 24 Excellent write up. He's a legend. The beauty of him is he can pick out amazing passes like the one to Routledge at Coventry in January and get goals, but he can also dribble past players. Although I can see a case for all the players you mentioned, especially Faurlin who is probably our best and most consistent passer of the ball, Taarabt is the player of the year for me. How do you think he will do in the Premier League? Is it possible he might get more time on the ball as Premier League defenders might not double-man-mark him as much?

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HamptonR added 00:14 - Mar 24 I always have the same argument with my dad about who was the better player, he Marsh me Bowles but I turned to him very early this season and said that I think I have just seen the best player I have ever seen in a blue and white shirt and for a few minutes he didn't argue with me - but he then started about how good Marsh was but I honestly believe that Taarabt is the best player I have seen at Loftus road.

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simmo added 00:26 - Mar 24 having set the ball on a path across the penalty area Taarabt remains within touching distance of it and gives the impression that he is dribbling the ball, in fact he never touches it again and yet manages to sell such outrageous dummies with his body swerves and shoulder drops that two Cardiff players head in different directions creating space for him to find the net when he does eventually make contact with the ball - Clive that is pure porn... On a serious note my defining summation of Taarabt came against Portsmouth at home. Increasingly frustrating the fans were starting to get on Adels case and when we broke at pace the ball at the feet of Adel everybody in Loftus Road screamed to lay it onto the right with Hogan Ephraim in acres of space but instead he sent a scuffed shot towards goal and I admit to feeling he wasted the chance before Ashdown contrives to let the ball in and choruses of 'Taarabts too good for you' rang out again... I'm sure if that were saved and we went onto draw or even lose that the fans would have cracked on and we may have seen another Hull but the goal gave him back his strut and he was brilliant again. Adel makes me feel like we are the envy of other clubs, something I have not felt as a QPR fan for some time, that includes all my 'prem club' supporting mates. The only other time I feel that is having these type of articles to match the reports and previews you provide.

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Royboy48 added 00:40 - Mar 24 More like Marsh than Bowles as Marsh was the standout player in a solid team designed for him; Bowles was the jewel in an altogether more lustrous crown already bejewelled with internationals. Actually many more similarities: Ageing manager (Stock/Warnock) builds team around mercurial player (Marsh/Taarabt), there's a grizzled veteran playing the form of his life (Jim Langley/Derry) alongside a brilliant young player who can read the game like a book (Sibley/Faurlin) there's even the former winger returning to his natural home (Lazarus/Routledge). Can't think of a current pair of twins though..

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isawqpratwcity added 01:31 - Mar 24 Excellent homage, Clive, well written and for a deserving subject. I respond like Simmo. You touch on NW's crucial role in building the team around AT, including, bizarrely, building it around his faults (which I agree are the best glue keeping him in W12). But seriously, how much of a visionary is NW for spotting the worth of this faulted hero? This is amazing people management that he has indulged all of AT's antics with nothing more than a kind word, and the club has blossomed for it. To look at NW you'd think he'd be a cold, phlegmatic, take-it-or-leave-it type, but that sort could never bring out the best in some-one like AT. As you observed, the team that he built around AT ain't no bunch of slouches, either. The man's a genius. PS: As for Claridge, I find it easier to laugh him off by seeing him as a modern-day Dickensian Uriah Heep, wringing his hands with insincere regret as he relentlessly drips his bile on QPR. If this is the start of a great team that would last for ten years, you can bet that in year 11, he'd be saying "See? I told you so!"

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SonofNorfolt added 01:36 - Mar 24 Riquelme was hopeless a lot of the time though. Taarabt has been far more consistent, as Gerry Francis would have said.
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SheffieldSteve added 02:05 - Mar 24 Another great read, Clive, and poses the question again of who was best, Marsh or Bowles, by looking at the young pretender? It is very hard to compare the football of the aforesaid 2 with Adel, would he get up from a Chopper Harris crunch tackle and headbutt Ron? No... Is he anywhere near a team player like Bowles was, who formed an incredible partnership with Francis, in particular (nb the potential relationship with Faurlin), no... but he does have the incredible skills expected to wear the hallowed number 10 shirt, only kept from him because Buzz got there first. And Buzz is a genius waiting for another chance to shine... Older Rs, like me, have our preference when considering the big 2. I still feel Bowles was the best, because, however long he took in the betting shop before the match, when he walked onto the turf, he was a true team player with incredible skills. Others prefer Marsh's silky skills, and the physical demolition of Harris (Marsh wasn't a softie!). For me, regarding Adel, the jury is still out. He is, by far, the outstanding talent in the Championship, but he is let down by his flaws when compared to Marsh and Bowles. Marsh was 'mercurial' too, but Bowles did it at the top level, showed off great skills regularly, got kicked all over the place, but he had the ability and football know-how to be a great team player too, at the highest level. Hopefully, we'll be at that level next season. Adel will have the chance to be compared with Bowles, who did shine at the top level, remember, Bowles was superb, always, at the TOP level, and we'll then be able to assess just how good the latest mercurial QPR legend is. I think Adel is great to watch, and I'm very happy he's our player, and I hope he makes the cut for QPR at the top level, but we'll have to wait and see if he can truly be compared to Bowles, who was consistently 'mercurial' at the top of the top division, but was also a great team player. I hope he can, because he's usually a pleasure to watch, may that continue. Cheers, and thanks for the chance to express my opinion!

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Inglesio added 02:20 - Mar 24 Riquelme was not hopeless most of the time, as Clive rightly says for Villarreal, boca and Argentina he was immense, just look at his wiki page to see the various silverware he got his mitts on. Cracking article, one correction for you though, his beauty of a goal against Swansea happened after a 1-2 with Kyle walker and not Faurlin. Still hate houllier and redknapp for not letting him stay with us, loved his marauding runs.

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isawqpratwcity added 04:11 - Mar 24 My first signing for QPR as a Premiership side? Kyle Walker.
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rangers69 added 05:44 - Mar 24 bowles, marsh then taarabt. bowles did it at the top of the english game. marsh was genius true, but did it at a lower level where the team was built around him. bowles was a team member, but what a team. taarabt is genius too, but like marsh, has only done it at a lower lever where the team is built around him with compromises. if he can continue to bamboozle in the premiership, then we can redress the list. oh, and i agree that he should have first dibs on the no10 shirt in the premiership. akos was right at the time, but has not shined for a little while now. maybe he can be no8.

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qpr_ox added 08:07 - Mar 24 "As ever, that clunge is best ignored." Best line of the article, and I hope Steve "QPR are a mid-table team" Claridge is reading. It sickens me that idiots like him make a mint from talking utter rubbish about football on TV, while Clive writes this kind of gold for free. Of course, Claridge has played for 15 league teams, including the likes of Weymouth, Worthing, and Harrow, so he must know what he's talking about...

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derbyhoop added 08:36 - Mar 24 Of the 3 names mentioned I'd put Bowles top, with Marsh and Taarabt joint second. For me, Bowles was a team player as well as an outstanding individual talent. He also performed at the top flight. Marsh and Taarabt are/were both individualistic and, bypassing the fact that Marsh did have a few seasons at top level, he wasn't as big a star at that level. Taarabt could overtake both, in time. What people overlook is how strong Adel is. The goal against Cardiff started with him winning a crunching tackle just inside the box. And when you look at how many defenders have tried to kick lumps out of him, his lack of injuries, is testament to that strength. Without the flaws in his character, and he does seem to be reducing them, he would be performing with a top European club and not humble QPR. Let's enjoy it while it lasts.

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DesertBoot added 08:41 - Mar 24 Superbly written article Clive, thankyou. Taarabt's physical strength has always impressed me, most recently against Palace when you could argue he was second best to win the ball prior to earning the penalty. Absolutely fantastic footballer and been a joy to watch him all season. As for the "clunge", maybe we have ruined his accumulator on the divisions as Forest or perhaps Cardiff have let him down.

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qprdan added 08:47 - Mar 24 the 4th against Baadiff is my favourite too, Allens shoulders just drop when Adel nuts' him. It was about 4am here in New Zealand and that moment made it worth staying up' Thanks for another great article Clive, you are a real life-line for us here in egg chaser land. I wish i could be there to see us go back up, I was there this time last year and saw us play Watford and Cardiff at home and never thought we would be top at this time of the season. Warnock should be applauded for what he has done for Qpr and for the career of Adel Taarabt. You R's

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benbu added 08:54 - Mar 24 Adel has been a total breath of fresh air, a genuine quality talent. Its difficult for someone like myself (28) to compare players with Marsh and Bowles only getting to see video clips. The pace and style of English football has also changed so much, so maybe Marsh and Bowles wouldnt have dealt with the power and pace in English football these days, where Taarabt has done. QPR havent seen this kind of player since the early 90's when a Sir Roy Wegerle was playing with his outrageous tricks and skill, so we should enjoy it and treasure watching someone so gifted on the football pitch. At the start of the season I listed out the QPR squad to pick my best 11 and we lacked a skillful talented playmaker and when AT signed the entire side looked different. It gave me the confidence that we could do well this season as we had previously seen how capable Adel was. Favourite moment - Cardiff at home, a moment to look back on and enjoy over and over again

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denhamhoop2 added 08:57 - Mar 24 Another excellent piece of journalism thought provoking quite like the analogy with Riquelme although I personally see him more as new Paolo Di Canio.I can remember having the conversation about Adel in comparison to Bowles and Marsh and stating he is technically the best player ever to wear the Hoops and no one arguing too much.The Pompey game I was screaming at him to lay it right but luckily it went in.Just goes to show how one man can change a club and its culture and that man is NW and I have heard fellow R's fans doubt if he'll be good enough to manage in the top flight

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SomersetHoops added 09:02 - Mar 24 Clive - one of your best write-ups ever - thanks for reminding us of some brilliant moments. Its a shame we can't pick player of the year as a unit because Taarabt would not be able to do what he does without the team set-up and quality of support players we have and a manager who sets things up that way. To make comparisons with Marsh and Bowles is difficult because I don't think they had a team set up to allow them the freedom that Adel has and who would have thought before he came that NW would be the one to recognise the potential of Adel and persue it so single mindedly and then set up the evironment where it could flourish. At the moment Rodney wins it for me because he always had a broad smile after he performed a bit of magic, although if Adel stays long enough and continues his feeling of being at home at LR then he could easily overtake him.

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SMBRANGER added 09:37 - Mar 24 I think that it is too soon to compare him with Marsh or Bowles, win lose or draw it was already fun to watch Rodney ( Adel's display at Hull made my blood boil and if I had been Manager I would have taken him off and ripped the shirt from his back, it still makes me angry now when I think about it) Rodney also scored the best two hat tricks I have ever seen againest Birmingham and Blackpool. Stan was consistent, always brillant and at the top level, he also broke the then record for European goals scored (held at the time by Dennis Law) I know we would not be where we are without Taarabt but lets see how he does in the Premier League for a couple of seasons before we compare.

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NathanNI added 09:47 - Mar 24 The goal at home to Preston was it. Chests it down tight to touchline oh halfway. Dribbles past two and bang. Class.
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brendan added 09:55 - Mar 24 When looking back at Bowles and Marsh, there are years of play to remember, so it is not a fair comparison with Adel Taarabt. Fingers crossed we can make a fairer comparison in years to come after he has played with QPR for years at the top level!
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YouRs added 10:27 - Mar 24 Quite simply, a brilliant, brilliant article. That is all.
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westolian added 10:31 - Mar 24 I never compare players or teams from different era's - no point ! But, in my humble opinion, if Adel has another season like the last he will have earnt his "legend" tag - for me anyway ! I think the phrase is "I would have paid the entrance fee to see him alone" Thanks Clive - can't wait for your book on match previews and reports from this season - it will be a collectors item !

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Spaghetti_Hoops added 10:44 - Mar 24 Thanks for a cracking article Clive. Riquelme, in the sense that the team is built to let him play, but Riquelme is a lanquid playmaker and long range assassin, whereas Taarabt is a guy who by instinct throws himself at the opposition with the intent to break through and score. I hate the comparison with the strolling Riquelme. I love dribblers. Marsh was the main reason I became a QPR supporter. Back in the 60s and 70s there were plenty of dribblers and entertainers, sadly much fewer now. Which makes Taarabt all the more precious. Why people get uptight and scream at him I have no idea. Only in the Bristol City away game, where he lost the plot, has he even got me to the point of impatience. Faurlin disappointing yet again from the edge of the box has the same effect on me. Derry running out of ideas when he gets anywhere near the final third, the same. All players have their weaknesses. Why do Taarabt's have that negative effect on some fans? What Taarabt does, going for the opposition's throat, requires a lot of commitment and energy. I cannot think of any player who plays like him who tracks back regularly; who is any good at winning the ball in midfield or defending. He doesn't want to be wasting energy doing that stuff. Without downplaying the roles of the rest of the team, who have been magnificent, it would be bonkers if our POTY was anyone other than Taarabt. Kenny comes an honourable second imo. It is a very long time since a QPR goalkeeper had such an aura of calm invincibility.

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NorwayRanger16 added 11:24 - Mar 24 The internet is full of people trying to describe Adel Taarabt, and never really getting close to this brilliant piece on him, thanks again Clive. Because of where i live i never get to see the team live nearly as much i like, but i have been fortunate enough to get to the Preston home game (last season) and Coventry home in january 2011. Both times he has marvelled me, worth the entrance fee alone! QPR is my addiction, Adel Taarabt my drug. As Micheal Jackson says it "I just can't get enough" :-) Tickets arrived two weeks ago for the Sheff Utd game, soon i will get my fix. Just a side note, why don't anybody see the comparison to Eric Cantona? For me, in personality and swagger, they are identical.

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headhoops added 13:28 - Mar 24 Thanks Clive I think your inciteful article reveals a glimpse into the bigger picture - I'm often asked, why do you support QPR?? Simples, as any meerkat would say. Marsh, Bowles, Currie, Wegerlie and now Taarabt. There's not too many supporters even from the so called elitist trophy hunting clubs who can boast such an array of outlandish talent stretching back through their history. Thats why we are QPR. Give me ten minutes of Adel's combination of the sublime and the sometimes ridiculous over a whole season of watching the dross served up at Wigan, Fulham, Bolton, Birmingham, etc etc. all genius is flawed thats what makes Adel so brilliant - We all owe a debt to Warnock and the rest of the team who accommodate him so well.

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