How Kenneth Paal is getting on since leaving QPR this summer | OneFootball

Kenneth Paal left QPR to join Turkish side Antalyaspor on a free transfer this summer

It looks to be another season of 'what ifs' for Queens Park Rangers, whose chances of securing a top six finish are looking slim after a disappointing run of form, seeing them get cut adrift.

There was a great sense of optimism surrounding Loftus Road at the beginning of the season, with numerous reasons to get excited about the campaign ahead.

Although Marti Cifuentes' tenure would end under a dark cloud, the appointment of French boss Julien Stephan gave R's fans every reason to look forward to what was in store for the year.

Stephan had previously worked and played a huge role in the development of the likes of Jeremy Doku, Eduardo Camavinga, Raphinha, and Ousmane Dembele during his time with Stade Rennes, something fans in West London were hoping he could replicate with their crop of talent.

Add to the fact that the summer window saw the likes of Koki Saito return on a permanent basis, whilst Richard Kone, Kwame Poku, and Rumarn Burrell joined after starring in League One, they rightfully felt it could be their year.

However, as we approach the latter stages of the season, a play-off spot is looking increasingly unlikely, as only an incredible run of form will give them a chance of breaking into the top six.

Numerous players left the club over the summer, though one in particular they could likely do with right now to improve their chances.

Kenneth Paal left QPR to join Antalyaspor upon the expiry of his contract

Kenneth Paal joined QPR on a free transfer in the summer of 2022 after his contract with Dutch Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle came to an end.

The left-back spent the bulk of his youth career in the academy of PSV Eindhoven, walking the same path as the likes of Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, and Noni Madueke, though he would only make six first-team appearances for the Dutch giants.

Paal joined with over 100 games in the Eredivisie under his belt, and instantly went straight into the side under Michael Beale, and retained his place in the side under each of Neil Critchley, Gareth Ainsworth, and the aforementioned Cifuentes thereafter.

He'd leave the R's upon the expiry of his deal in West London, having made 130 first-team appearances for the club across three years in the English capital, making the move to Turkish side Antalyaspor.

Under former Inter, Newcastle United, Atlético Madrid, and Fenerbahçe midfielder Emre Belozoglu, Paal would instantly be thrust into their starting lineup at left-back, though a poor run of form saw Belozoglu dismissed and replaced by former Cardiff City boss Erol Bulut.

Paal remained a constant under Bulut, though his tenure too wouldn't last long, as he was replaced by Sami Urgulu, as the Surinamese international plays under his third permanent boss of the season.

Antalyaspor find themselves embroiled in a relegation battle in the top-flight, with Paal having been an almost ever-present at left-back during that period, starting every single league game aside from one.

Paal will be hoping to avoid relegation this season, whilst QPR themselves hope to pick up enough points to avoid a battle at the bottom.

Julien Stephan could do with Kenneth Paal at QPR now

Given QPR's slip in form, having someone like Paal around the side right now would be beneficial.

Rhys Norrington-Davies was signed on loan from Sheffield United for the season, though whilst the Welshman has been steady, he certainly hasn't done enough to get R's out of their seats in applause.

Ziyad Larkeche suffered an ACL injury at the beginning of the season, which has kept him sidelined for much of the campaign, with Norrington-Davies being the only other left-back in the squad right now.

Centre-back Jake Clarke-Salter recently started at left-back for the R's, highlighting that clear area of weakness in their squad.

Had Paal been in the side, whilst their form may not have seen a huge upturn, his presence would surely have been felt, and Stephan's side would have been much better off as a result.