Cardiff v QPR player ratings
QPR sit top of the Championship table after winning their opening two matches. Here’s how we rated each Rangers player in Sunday’s 2-0 victory at Cardiff.
Alex Smithies: 6
A bystander for much of the game, with Cardiff’s toothless attack not forcing him into a save of note. Dealt well with anything that did come his way.
Nedum Onuoha: 7
Not a natural right-back and at times it continues to show. Did well when he got forward, but did so almost reluctantly rather than instinctively. Defensively solid.
Grant Hall: 7
Caught ball-watching on two occasions in the first half and was rescued by Steven Caulker and then Jake Bidwell. Improved in the second and is forming an excellent centre-half partnership with Caulker.
Steven Caulker: 8
Produced arguably his best performance in a Rangers shirt – against the club they signed him from. Marshalled the defence superbly and his aerial threat at set-pieces was obvious even before he opened the scoring.
Hasselbaink on Caulker: “Steven is part of a defensive unit that works with him. He’s a big member of our squad and an England international. It’s nice to see him around the place giving his experience, but let’s not forget we can only be strong if we’re a unit.”Jake Bidwell: 7
The archetypal steady-Eddie fullback. No frills, but does his job with the minimum of fuss. His curling free-kick set up the opening goal for Caulker.
Karl Henry: 8
Another excellent display from the veteran midfielder. Strong in the tackle and used the ball well.
Massimo Luongo: 8
Like Henry, he was outstanding in the middle of the park and has added steel to his on-the-ball ability. Despite some heavy treatment from the Cardiff players he snapped into tackles and worked hard for his team.
Jordan Cousins: 8
Outstanding in the second half. Never stops running and has the legs and mobility that have been so lacking in a Rangers midfield for several years. Got better as the game went on and Cardiff tired.
Ben Gladwin: 6
Looks lost on the wing and limped off in the first half with an ankle injury following a strong challenge by Joe Ralls after taking too long to bring the ball under control.
Tjaronn Chery: 7
Always a threat going forward and although he was largely kept in check by the home defence, his ability to pick the ball up and run at players meant he was always in the game. Scored with a brilliant penalty to seal the win.
Sebastian Polter: 6
Not as good as he was against Leeds and his final ball let him down on occasions. Worked hard as always though and won the penalty.
Yeni Ngbakoto: 6
Off the pace after coming on for Gladwin and missed a glorious chance to score and being teed up by Cousins just after half-time. Allowed Jazz Richards too much space on the Cardiff right on a few occasions, but like the rest of the team improved in the second half.
