It’s not everyday that your star centre-back leaves the club to manage an MLS side, but that is exactly what Ryan Nelsen has done. The New Zealander has agreed to take over the reins with Toronto FC as head coach, it was announced on Monday, leaving Queen’s Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp short at the back.
The veteran boss may’ve brought in Tal Ben Haim on a free, but the loss of Nelsen will come as a blow in his bid to stave off the threat of relegation. What QPR need at present is experience in the heart of the backline in order to survive another season in the Premiership.
This is where William Gallas steps up to the plate. The Tottenham Hotspur centre-back has begun to show his age over recent months, often faltering against teams prepared to really attack the north London outfit, be it through speed and flair or utilising the long-ball tactic.
With Andre Villas-Boas looking to play a high defensive line, the Frenchman is the main culprit against teams that look to break in behind the back four, with his age now beginning to catch up on him.
However, what stands him in good stead is his experience. It’s no surprise to see Younes Kaboul, Steven Caulker and Jan Vertonghen all significantly improve significantly as a result of playing alongside Gallas at one point or another over the last 18 months.
Yet, it’s now looking increasingly like the 35-year-old is set to leave the club. With Michael Dawson also stepping up his game in order to force his way into Villas-Boas’ starting XI, Gallas’ first-team place has come under serious threat from the Englishman and if QPR are keen to take him on, Spurs would be wise to consider any serious offers for the experienced defender, especially with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.
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