One To Watch: Massimo Luongo

Queens Park Rangers are the hosts for the next fixture that Birmingham City will face. After a mid-week game against Bolton Wanderers, Birmingham will be hoping to carry on their good form into tomorrow’s game. QPR will never be an easy game, but if we can get a foothold, then we may get something from the game.

QPR as has been well documented, aren’t shy about splashing the cash for new players, so this week choosing a player to watch was very difficult. They play as a team and have quality players; several of them who could turn out to be match winners. When deciding on the one to watch, the likes of Hoilett, Phillips and even Perch crossed my mind as they all have the ability to pull something out of nothing.

But having watched Birmingham City recently, I would say that our defence could match their attack. Shotton has the ability to prevent an overlap from Perch and the partnership of Robbo and Morrison is progressing nicely. Therefore, I looked into midfield to see who our player in form, Toral, may have to face. I was hoping for an easy opponent, but up stepped Massimo Luongo. And today, he is my one to watch.

Massimo Luongo is the kind of player who is really annoying to play against. He likes the simple ball and to do the basics right which he is very effective at. He very rarely gives possession away and if he does, he is very quick to win the ball back. In my opinion, he can be related to a wasp, as they always buzz about and make a nuisance of themselves.

This season, he has assisted once in every four games which is very good considering that QPR haven’t had the best team performances in recent weeks compared to last season. Also, he is more of a central rather than an attacking midfielder, so for him to contribute to assisting goals is a real plus for them and something that will have to be watched by our mid-fielders.

15 fouls he has totalled in his 21 appearances so far this season which actually isn’t a lot compared to the majority of midfielders in the Championship. This shows to me that he is a good tackler, he stays on his feet and wins the ball when necessary from the attacker. I have very rarely seen him getting fiery and he has a calm temperament so we just have to work hard and prevent him from retaining possession.