Most of the pre QPR talk, on here & on podcasts, is of playing Taylor in midfield alongside Matusiwa again, as he did so well against WBA. Or else maybe playing Nunez there, as McKenna reiterated at the presser, that Nunez is best at a #8 or a #6. What has surprised me is the lack of a mention for Cajuste, who has been McKenna's preferred starter so far this season, & he has a strong history of going back to his preferred players time & again, even when we think the one who has come in has done a decent job & looks undroppable.
Cajuste has gone missing at times & has lost possession in dangerous areas, so his spot in the team is definitely not guaranteed, but he has also looked exceptional at this level, ghosting past players & carrying the ball into good attacking areas, mainly in the first 35 minutes, which is something that this team needs.
With Szmodics definitely out until after the next international break, & Akpom a doubt to start after that heavy studs impact last week, there is also the question of who starts and who finishes in the #10 role. I seem to be a lone voice on here calling for Cajuste to get to run in there; his touch, quick feet, turns & clever layoffs would make him very dangerous in that role, and he has played there before. I know Nunez came on & did well linking with Azon, but McKenna's comments this week do make it seem like he really wants him playing deeper. In an away game, I can see Cajuste dropping back to help the 2 in the middle & carrying it forward before finding Philogene/Clarke or Egeli/McAteer running into space, or with a smart through ball to Hirst/Azon. Also, he won the ball for the Clarke goal, while in that advanced role.
I can't see McKenna just having him on the bench, behind both Taylor & Nunez, at the point of the season & he will have been working with him over the last couple of weeks. |  |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.
