Portsmouth v QPR player ratings
QPR began their Championship campaign with a superb away victory. Here’s how we rated each Rangers player in the 3-1 triumph at Portsmouth.
Pierce Charles: 7
Some nervous moments involving Charles seem inevitable, particularly as sides look to stop him playing the ball out from the back – which Pompey did. One mishap saw him give the ball straight to Abu Kamara, but he made amends by saving the winger’s shot, and later produced another important save. Overall, a promising keeper and a promising debut.
Amadou Mbengue: 9
Tariq who? A fabulous start to the season for Mbengue, who was immense at the back – a vital late challenge during a first-half Pompey counter-attack was a highlight – and also relentless going forward. Set up the third Rangers goal with a low cross to Chair. Anyone assuming Mbengue is a stop gap at right-back ahead of new signing Lamptey being available might need to think again, based on this display.
Jimmy Dunne: 7
Solid at the heart of the defence. Showed real leadership, organising the back line and using the ball sensibly.
Jake Clarke-Salter: 7
Again demonstrated what he can do when fit. Defended well and was effective on the ball.
Boy Kemper: 6
Endured a testing start to life in the Championship during a high-tempo start, and then had to go off on 20 minutes after picking up an injury.
Ronnie Edwards: 7
An up-and-down performance in midfield, where Rangers made a change in the absence of Nicolas Madsen. Edwards made a somewhat ropey start and a silly foul midway through the first half underlined some early problems. But he grew into the game, was alert to danger and played his part in what turned out to be an effective team performance.
Harvey Vale: 6
Had to work hard in a deeper role and struggled early on. But he too found his feet, playing a key role in the build-up to Rangers’ equaliser, and generally managing to pick up areas of space as Rangers started to have the upper hand.
Kwame Poku: 7
Exciting to watch and will be a real asset if he can continue this momentum. Lively on the flank and always difficult for Pompey to pick up.
Ilias Chair: 9
Scored two goals – both calm finishes – and set up another. A triumphant return to fitness and form for Chair.
Koki Saito: 7
Fortunate when his shot was deflected in to give Rangers the lead, but he was a threat. Another player who will be hoping to maintain this momentum after a good start to the campaign.
Rumarn Burrell: 7
Given a starting role as lone striker rather than Richard Kone. And not only did Burrell demonstrate the pace and work-rate he was primarily selected for, his link-up play was also noticeably better than previously.
Kealey Adamson: 8
An excellent performance from Adamson, who found the going tough in his natural right-back position last season and yet was faultless after coming on at left-back for Kemper. Deserves huge credit for his display, having been asked to do a tough job.
Paul Smyth: 7
Failed to deliver a pass to Vale which would have set up a good chance for Rangers, but Smyth showed his importance to the squad with a lively and hard-working outing after coming on in the second half.
Glen Kamara: 7
Did well after coming on for his debut. Composed on the ball, has excellent positional sense and looks like being a very useful midfield option for the R’s. Jonathan Varane and Alfie Lloyd, who were later also brought on, had less time to make an impact – although Lloyd almost got on the end of a late Vale cross.
