Mid-season QPR player ratings – how the Rangers squad have performed so far

Tuesday’s game at Brighton marks the halfway point in what has been a disappointing season for QPR so far.

West London Sport’s Nick Reinis looks at how Rangers’ players have performed – and each is given a rating out of 10 based on their average score in our player ratings this season.

We give a 6 for an average/adequate display. Players are rated out of 10 for each match and a rating is not usually given for substitute appearances of fewer than 20 minutes unless that player contributes something of note.

Alex Smithies: 6.7

What a season Smithies has been having – he’s kept QPR in several games with stunning stops, not forgetting his astounding penalty record. His average score looks a little low, but, while it may be hard to believe now, there was a time early in the season when Rangers were relatively solid at the back and weren’t so reliant on Smithies, who had little to do in some games.

Jake Bidwell: 6.4

Ratings-wise, the former Brentford man has been QPR’s best defender this season, despite a spell on the sidelines with a shoulder problem. The left-back is a dependable presence and provides an attacking threat when galloping forward.

Grant Hall: 6.3

The defender-cum-midfielder hasn’t quite hit the heights of last year’s excellent debut season, but Hall remains a key player.

Nedum Onuoha: 6.1

One of three ever-presents this season, the captain has been split between duties as a right-back and a centre-back. Having made a good start to the campaign, Onuoha’s form has dipped since.

Steven Caulker: 6.1

Seemed rejuvenated at the start of the season but his form plummeted.

James Perch: 6

A mixed season for the utility man, who has lined up on either side of the defence without being able to sustain a solid run of form.

Joel Lynch: 6

Solid since a slow start to his Rangers career. Adds balance as a left-sided centre-back and did a decent job at left-back when called upon.

Massimo Luongo: 6.7

Has enjoyed a fine season. His engine, ability on the ball and his tackling have been pleasing to see. The only real blot on Luongo’s copybook has been his failure to hit the back of the net in 42 appearances for the club.

Ariel Borysiuk: 6.7

Signed in the summer, the Polish midfielder is another who has yet to fully establish himself in the starting line-up. However, when he has played, Borysiuk has shown all the attributes of a player that could become a key part of QPR’s plans. With their different strengths, Borysiuk and Luongo could be an excellent partnership.

Tjaronn Chery: 6.4

The R’s talisman started the season in blistering fashion but his form has dipped and with it his confidence. Chery has played in every league game this season. Is it time for a rest? Dropping arguably your most talented player is always a tough decision.

Pawel Wszolek: 6.4

Like his Polish counterpart, Wszolek hasn’t quite hit the ground running. However, in league games he has featured, he has shown some promise.

Olamide Shodipo: 6.4

His pace and willingness to attack full-backs, plus the fact he’s a youth product, make him a fans favourite. Can he now push on and be a first-team regular?

Jordan Cousins: 6.2

Cousins has been used in midfield, on the wing and at full-back in his short time at the club. His recent displays in the middle of the pitch have been impressive, but hamstring trouble continues to affect him.

Karl Henry: 6

The much maligned veteran has been solid rather than spectacular. His work around the pitch often goes unnoticed and it’s a surprise not to have seen him line up at right-back – a position he has played in the past and one QPR continue to struggle with.

Yeni Ngbakoto: 5.9

It’s been a very tough start for Ngbakoto, and injury and the death of his father have prevented him from putting together a run in the side. He has featured in the last five fixtures, though, and he is improving with every game.

Idrissa Sylla: 6.4

Signed late in the transfer window, Sylla has been a useful addition to the squad. He has played well in the games he has started and he came on to score the winner at Fulham in October. His uses his height and strength to good effect.

Sebastian Polter: 6.4

What he lacks in technical ability he tries to make up for with his work-rate. He has four goals so far this season – the same as Sylla, who has played considerably fewer games.

Conor Washington: 6.2

Used predominantly out wide or up front on his own, Rangers are yet to fully utilise Washington in his preferred position nearly a year after signing him from Peterborough United. When he did play up front with a strike partner, he scored.

The rest

Sandro (6), Ben Gladwin (6) and Nasser El Khayati (6.3) have not featured much this season. Neither has the injury-plagued Jack Robinson (6), who has briefly shown what he can do, while youngster Niko Hämäläinen (5.5) made his first senior appearances.