This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Lee Wallace’s debut showed a lot of promise but his return to action could also produce a much-needed lift for Mark Warburton and Queen Park Rangers.
On the chalkboard
QPR’s defensive woes are no secret this year. They have conceded the second-most goals in the division – behind only second-from-bottom Barnsley – and therefore changes are needed to solve the issue.
Warburton has varied between 4-2-3-1 and 3-5-2 this season without much success, but operating with the latter against Leeds, which included Wallace as a left-side centre-back, did lead to a little improvement.
Yes they conceded twice, which could have been more but for a brilliant Wallace tackle, but Leeds are one of the best sides in the league, and therefore QPR’s defensive performance deserves some recognition.
If Warburton can settle on a chosen back three it could be the way to go. The former Rangers captain would provide much-needed experience as well as supporting Ryan Manning in the left wing-back role.
That should reduce crosses into the box and passes in behind, with the level of leadership he provides important in organising a defence.
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Finding the right system
QPR’s inconsistency is likely due, in part, to Warburton’s continuous chopping and changing of formation, as it prevents players from growing accustomed to their role in the team, and how they work with their teammates.
Now Wallace is fit, Warburton has several options to choose from at centre-back, and he can afford to operate with three centre-backs whilst keeping the error-prone Yoann Barbet on the bench.
A 3-5-2 allows the R’s to deploy Jordan Hugill, Nahki Wells and Eberechi Eze in the same team, with the latter given the freedom to exploit the opposition in a way which perfectly suits his dribbling style, with 3.3 successful ones per game this year.
Another who could directly benefit is Manning. He has been very effective going forward this term and with added cover in defence he should have the confidence to make the most of his attacking threat, thus allowing him to build on the 2.2 key passes he has managed so far.
Whilst that doesn’t directly impact the defence, Wallace did manage three tackles against Leeds, whilst also achieving 3.6 interceptions per game during his last spell playing regularly for Rangers in the 2016/17 season.
That highlights the defensive solidity he can provide when fit, and if Warburton gives the team time to adjust to a 3-5-2 formation then it could soon reap the rewards.