Angella an asset from set-pieces – Ferdinand

QPR want Gabriele Angella
Les Ferdinand has told QPR’s website he believes Gabriele Angella can score goals for the club as well as help prevent them.

Rangers were keen to shore up their defence ahead of the transfer deadline and were able to bring in Italian centre-back Angella, 26, on loan from Watford for the rest of the season.

And director of football Ferdinand is hopeful the new signing will prove to be an asset at both ends of the pitch.

“We’ve been keen to add another defender to the group for some time, so we’re really pleased to bring Gabriele in,” he said.

“He’s not only a very good defender, but importantly, he’s also a big threat at set-pieces, and the more goalscorers we’ve got around the team, the better.

“We’re pleased to have him on board and we’re really looking forward to integrating him into the squad.”

QPR director of football Les Ferdinand
Ferdinand has high hopes for QPR’s new signing

Head coach Chris Ramsey wanted a ball-playing central defender to play alongside captain Nedum Onuoha.

Rangers targeted Angella after missing out on United States international Tim Ream, who opted to join Fulham.

“Gabriele’s a quality addition for us,” Ramsey said.

“We’ve got decent competition now in the back four and Gabriele’s experience, especially at a level where he was promoted with Watford last season, will be a big positive for us.

“I’m delighted we’ve been able to get this over the line before the deadline.”

Who is Gabriele Angella?

Born: April 28, 1989 (age 26) in Florence
Height: 6′ 3″ (1.91m)
Position: Centre-back
Previous clubs: 2008-10 Empoli (Ita), 2010-13 Udinese (Ita), 2013-15 Watford. Loans at Siena (2011) and Reggina (2012).
National team: Italy Under-21s, 2 caps
Trivia: As well as Benatia, his Udinese team-mates included Alexis Sanchez, one-time QPR loanee Mauricio Isla and future Chelsea winger Juan Cuadrado. At international level, he played alongside Mario Balotelli, former R’s loanee Federico Macheda and Fabio Borini in the Italy Under-21 side.