How QPR missed Faurlin. Diakite great Replacement.

The day was 7^th July 2009 and a club record fee (at the time) of £3.5 million allegedly from Instituto Queens Park Rangers announced the signing of Argentinian Alejandro Faurlin. The 25 year old (22 years at the time of signing) had turned down the chance to play under the great Jose Mourinho at Inter but Jose couldn’t guarantee first team football.

Faurlin made his debut on 18^th August 2009 away at Bristol City in the Championship. Later that year he went on to win Players player of the year and Supporters player of the year for the 2009/2010 season. QPR finished mid table in 13^th that season.  The following season Queens Park Rangers won promotion to the best league in the world, which Ale (Faurlin) played a massive part in, playing 41 games that season and netting 3 goals. Promotion was yet guaranteed though due to the FA investigating the signing of Faurlin. QPR were deducted no points and deserving finished champions.

The much anticipated start of the 2011/2012 Premier league started and Ale Faurlin found himself in the centre of the park beside new signing Joey Barton, who joined from Newcastle in the transfer window. Faurlin 20 games into he’s first Premiership season, was one of the most technically gifted players in the R's squad and the most capped player for the Hoops this season and scored one goal.

What a great strike from Faurlin against Wolves earlier this season.

The first FA cup game for QPR was played on 07/01/12 away to MK Dons. This is where it all went wrong. Faurlin ended up injured in the 1-1 draw. The injury was unfortunately worse than first expected and would see him out till next season. He ruptured he’s anterior cruciate ligament in he’s knee. What a massive loss this has been for QPR for the 2^nd half of the season losing their best player so far this season.

Faurlin’s Loss was massive and with QPR only winning 1 in 8 of the league games after he’s injury it was showing how much of a loss this will be for Rangers, who are looking to remain in the Premier league. QPR were not playing well and clearly had trouble getting points on the board. No one could fill the boots of the man who averaged the most successful tackles per game at the time of he’s injury and one of the Premier league’s best passers.

QPR signed Samba Diakite on loan in the January transfer window to replace Ale himself. He signed till the end of the season from French side Nancy. Diakite’s debut for the R’s could not have got any worse. Receiving two yellows in 33 minutes at home in front of all the hoops home fans. Fulham ended up winning 1-0 at Loftus road. Samba returned to the Rangers side away to Bolton and the hoops ended up losing  2-1, Diakite picking up another yellow with a poor performance, was the Premier just too quick for him? Most was saying he’s not ready, and won’t make it as the leagues to quick.

Amazing goal by Samba Diakite for Nancy.

QPR now sitting in the bottom 3 they had to start finding form. 21/03/12 saw QPR host Liverpool and being 3-0 down with 13minutes left on the clock it was just what everyone expected a powder puff performance from the home team. QPR got a goal from Derry via a corner and the Hoops started to believe. QPR ended up winning 3-2, Cisse scoring the second and Mackie bagging a last minute winner.

This was bound to kick start the Hoops again but no 3-1 a stuffing by Sunderland. Many upset by the Diakite performance and wanted more from the23 year old.

Next to come to Loftus road was high flying Arsenal looking to secure their 7^th consecutive win in all competitions. Diakite putting all critics to shame with a wonderful performance, a great goal inside the box from a cross just inside the area on the right wing by Scotsman Mackie.

Great side footed controlled shot by Diakite.

Diakite has put in 100% effort and outstanding performances ever since, he has finally learnt the way of the Barclays Premier League. With powerful runs which frighten all defences with he’s mad strength and top balance. Now he can time a challenge perfectly and is always stopping the danger. Samba has fast become a favourite for the fans of Queens Park Rangers and a good replacement for Faurlin.

Samba picked up a virus before the Chelsea match, Chelsea smashed QPR 6-1 and Diakite was defiantly missed. It’s still unsure if he will be available for the huge match against Stoke City this Sunday.

Mark Hughes (QPR Manager) said this on the issue.

"He's had a virus which has knocked him for six. We have been quite easy with him trying to build him up, and hopefully he will be an option for us at the weekend. "

The Gaffer will be hoping Diakite will be back and feeling well for Sunday’s game. Rangers sit one place above the drop zone on goal difference.

I hope to be able to witness a central midfield partnership of Diakite and Faurlin not many teams would be able to top that. Two very key men for Rangers this season, I hope to see the African on the field this Sunday and wish Faurlin the best, here’s hoping he comes back stronger than ever.