The German centre-back has made a steady if unspectacular start to life at Loftus Road.
Queens Park Rangers defender Toni Leistner celebrated his first goal for the club on Tuesday night, scoring what proved to be the winner as the R’s edged past Reading 1-0.
The summer signing from FC Union Berlin was the first acquisition for boss Steve McClaren and, although Leistner enduered a difficult start, the German is beginning to show his class.
Although not blessed with an abundance of pace, Leistner is adapting well to the rigours and demands of regular Championship football and his other attributes hold him in good stead.
Strong, tough in the tackle and with an obvious air of leadership, Leistner has filled the void left by Nedum Onouha and Jack Robinson and his selection as club captain is proving a sensible choice.
After QPR’s opening four fixtures, which all ended in defeat, Leistner and the rest of the squad were naturally coming under fire for their displays so, from a fan perspective, it is encouraging to see how Leistner has improved in particular.
The 28-year-old’s match winner on Tuesday might not have been the most spectacular of goals, but the confidence it can potentially add to Leistner’s game could be paramount.
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The R’s are next in action this Saturday when they host Frank Lampard’s Derby County at Loftus Road, where Leistner and co. will need to be at their very best to stop the play-off hopefuls.
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