Chery on the number 10 role, free-kicks and taking the ‘next step’

Tjaronn Chery believes his move to QPR will help him take his career to the next level.

The Dutch midfielder, recently signed from Groningen, is set to make his debut in Saturday’s Championship opener against Charlton.

And Chery, 27, is determined to build on the outstanding couple of seasons he has enjoyed in the Netherlands.

“When I played in Holland, after [each] two years I always wanted to take the next step,” he said.

“I’m not at my peak, but in the last two years I played very good and I know I can get better now I’m playing here.

“For me it’s important that I play every game and then maybe after two or three years – I signed for three years – I want one more step. I think it’s possible, that’s why I’ve come here.”

Number 10 role


Chery, whose other previous clubs include FC Twente and ADO Den Haag, can operate in a number of positions but has been earmarked for the so-called number 10 role, playing just behind the front line, this season.

He expects the physical nature of the Championship to be challenging, but head coach Chris Ramsey and director of football Les Ferdinand are convinced he will make a major impact.

“I see it’s a physical league and you have to work hard,” Chery said.

“When you’re a small player you’re not always the most physical. I want to see what it’s like in the first game. I think it’s going to be good.

“Number 10 is my best position I think. When the striker comes short I go in behind them and I like to play wide and in the box too.”

He added: “It’s very nice to be here. It’s a big club and very nice to play here.

“I knew they were interested in me and after that I spoke with Les Ferdinand and he gave me a good feeling.

“He told me about the trainer [Ramsey] and how he works and how the club works. That gave me a good feeling to come to QPR.

“He [Ferdinand] told me about how we’re going to play and how he [Ramsey] likes to play football.”

Free-kick specialist


Chery established himself as a goalscoring midfielder to be reckoned with in the Netherlands.

A number of his goals came from free-kicks – and he twice went close to scoring from free-kicks during his pre-season appearances for QPR.

“At Groningen I scored I think four free-kicks,” he said.

“You saw one [against Atalanta] and in the Newport game too when the keeper saved it well – otherwise I’d have scored with two free-kicks.

“I think when you see me I’m a football player and I like to go for every ball and I like to shoot. I like to score also.

“I like to help other players too. Sometimes, when it’s difficult to play, I want to help the other players. That’s how I am.”

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