QPR head coach Marti Cifuentes has expressed his confidence in young academy graduate Rayan Kolli to step up and fill the void left by Ilias Chair’s absence. Kolli, who made his debut last season under Gareth Ainsworth, has been playing as a left-sided forward in pre-season matches while Chair has been sidelined.
Cifuentes believes that Kolli, who has shown promise and creativity in his previous games, has the potential to make a positive impact in the Championship. Despite primarily playing as a forward in different formations at the academy level, Kolli’s shift to the left has provided him with more freedom to create chances and drive into the box.
The QPR boss emphasized the importance of maximizing each player’s strengths and improving as a team rather than solely focusing on replacing a specific position. While Kolli has been performing well in Chair’s absence, Cifuentes sees it as an opportunity to enhance the team dynamics and individual player development.
In other team news, Lyndon Dykes has been cleared to play in the upcoming match against West Brom after recovering from an ankle injury. However, Morgan Fox and Ilias Chair remain unavailable for selection as they continue their rehabilitation. Dykes, who missed Euro 2024 due to a previous ankle issue, has returned to full training and is ready to contribute on the field.
Cifuentes confirmed Dykes’ availability for the game, highlighting the striker’s positive progress in training. Despite the absence of key players like Chair and Fox, the coach remains optimistic about the team’s performance with Dykes back in action. The focus is on collective improvement and cohesion as QPR prepares for the upcoming challenges in the Championship.
As the season kicks off, QPR fans can look forward to seeing young talents like Kolli stepping up and established players like Dykes leading the team on the field. The blend of experience and youth in the squad presents an exciting prospect for the club as they aim for a successful campaign in the competitive league. With Cifuentes at the helm, guiding and nurturing the players, QPR’s future looks promising as they strive for progress and growth in English football.
