Fans of QPR have been reacting to stats posted on Twitter by the Second Tier Podcast, highlighting Ryan Manning as the most creative defender in the Championship.
The left-back, who joined QPR from Galway United in January 2015, has been in impressive form for the Hoops this season, scoring once and providing five assists in his 28 league appearances.
On top of this, stats recently posted on Twitter demonstrate just how influential the 23-year-old has been, with Manning creating a remarkable 56 chances for QPR, 20 ahead of Fulham’s Joe Bryan in second.
Hoops fans have been delighted with Ireland youth international, with many taking to social media to praise their player’s contributions.
https://twitter.com/TheSecondTier/status/1229682463061966848
Never understood why so many don’t see what a good player Ryan is
— Paul Finney (@paulfinney1969) February 18, 2020
He hasn’t even played that much recently either which makes the stat even more impressive. ?
— Oliver (@Sceivious) February 18, 2020
Quality player is Manning and not ‘suspect’ in defence. A lot of fans don’t really know the game but like to shout out uneducated opinions. I’d still like to see him in midfield though where he can dictate the game even more. Be interesting to know where he’d prefer to be playing
— Stedders (@andystedman) February 18, 2020
Seriously impressive numbers @Sandyhoops @craigtaub
— Ken Green (@WoodRangers) February 18, 2020
That’s impressive stats indeed & not really surprising, to be honest – we’ve seen what he can do! I read that Warburton felt he needed a rest – it must’ve worked coz he was my MOTM on Saturday!! #QPR
— Sandy Young (@Sandyhoops) February 18, 2020
@ryanmanning4 quality player you are lad
— Sam Briggs (@BriggsSamuel) February 18, 2020
What do we think?
Manning’s natural instinct to attack no doubt largely stems from the fact he is primarily a left-midfielder. However, with a lack of options in that position and Lee Wallace injured upon his arrival at the club, Mark Warburton has tended to deploy Manning at left-back.
Manning’s contributions from defence have had a considerable impact on QPR’s free-scoring season, with the Hoops’ 51 goals ranking behind only first-placed West Brom (59) and fourth-placed Brentford (54) this year, despite ranking 16th in the league table themselves.
However, their total of 58 goals conceded is the same amount as bottom club Barnsley, and if Mark Warburton is to help drive QPR up the table, improvements at the back will perhaps need to be made during the summer.