There have been various pundits clamoring to praise the performances from Esteban Granero, Adel Taarabt and Julio Cesar this season. But the one player who has been most consistent, and almost always overlooked, is Ryan Nelsen.
The Kiwi defender was out of shape and out of practice at Tottenham, but has looked a new man since joining Queens Park Rangers. Rolling back the years in games against Chelsea, Everton and Arsenal, Nelsen could well be the key to Rangers' deserved improvement.
To keep Fernando Torres in one's pocket is a tough task, but Nelsen showed it was doable, and doable easily. He also proved that he was still able to cut it against world-class players, something many doubted during his time at White Hart Lane.
The defensive stalwart has the grit and determination that some players in the West London team seem to currently lack. His impressive stats of most clearances in the entire team shows he is willing to get stuck in and protect his goal. So why is he not higher up in the plaudits' stake?
The issue for me is, Nelsen isn't glamorous enough for the new 'Rangers Revolution'. Tony Fernandes seem to be focusing many of his efforts towards selling Ji-Sung Park shirts, waving flags and playing pretty-boy tricksters (naming no names Mr Taarabt) rather than persuading solid footballers to sign.
Players who may not be able to model Armani or cause Arsenal to warrant an interest in their future, but players who do the job expected of them week in week out.
However beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the Kiwi is undoubtedly Rangers' rock at the back at the moment. Although he needs a partner to back him up come January, he is holding the fort pretty well on his own.
In my opinion? Although a huge Tony Fernandes fan, he needs to focus buying more players like Nelsen. And Ryan deserves a pat on the back more often, from manger and media alike. And I'll start that kudos-giving right now... Top work Ryan.
