Queens Park Rangers’ tour of Germany began with an entertaining 2-2 draw against Hoffenheim.
Queens Park Rangers have had a steady if unspectacular start to their pre-season but, after Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Champions League qualifiers Hoffenheim, a lot of positives can be taken from the game.
The Bundesliga side were two goals to the good after a brace from David Otto however, with ten minutes of the game remaining, Toni Leistner and Ryan Manning salvaged an unlikely draw for QPR.
The R’s are perhaps expected to struggle somewhat this season, yet the Championship side will take a lot of encouragement from their first game in Germany. Here are five things we learned from Saturday’s draw:
1. Determination will be key for QPR this season
Over the course of the season, there will be times when a run of results has not been going in your favour and this is where the QPR players and management need to show grit and determination.
The Championship is a very tough and competitive league so QPR fans can take a lot of heart from Saturday’s result. Rangers teams of old would have folded once the second goal went, but there appears to be a togetherness among the players and this can only bode well for boss Steve McClaren.
2. Osman Kakay can be crucial at the back for QPR
The academy graduate has looked really sharp so far in pre-season and this trend continued on Saturday. Filling in at right-back with Darnell Furlong out injured, Osman Kakay put in a spirited display against far more experienced players.
It appears Kakay could become a valuable member of the squad over the next 12 months and, if the youngster can keep himself grounded and fit, expect him to be a crucial part of the R’s back line throughout the new campaign.
3.Toni Leistner can be an unlikely source of goals
The defender scored his first QPR goal on his first return to his native Germany and the Loftus Road faithful will be confident he can do so when the league campaign kicks-off.
Leistner caused Hoffenheim problems from set-pieces and was duly rewarded with his goal. Other than Matt Smith, Rangers cannot boast too many aerial threats among their ranks, but Leistner can prove a real handful this season.
4. Ebere Eze looks a class apart
The 20-year-old play-maker has been superb so far in pre-season and there were no signs of this slowing down on Saturday afternoon. Cool with the ball at his feet, Ebere Eze demonstrated some nice touches and looked composed throughout.
Hoffenheim did somewhat struggle to contain Eze throughout the game and the youngster looks set to make a real impression in the Championship next season.
5. Jordan Cousins is getting back to his best
Jordan Cousins put in a confident and assured display in the middle of the park and this will provide McClaren with real food for thought. The central midfielder has been severely restricted in terms of game time since his move to West London, after struggling with injuries.
However, it appears that Cousins is returning to his best and he looked lively all over the park on Saturday. The former Charlton Athletic man can be a useful member of the squad over a busy campaign.
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