The day was 7th 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 18th 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 13th 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 2nd 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 7th 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.
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