Back in the summer, Mark Warburton embarked on his first transfer window as QPR boss.
Amongst a barrage of 14 new arrivals, two loan deals overseen by the former Brentford manager have hit the ground running at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, and it’s hard to decide who the better fit is out of the two.
Jordan Hugill – on a season-long loan from West Ham – has scored six goals in 11 games, whereas Wells – who was on loan with the R’s last term and has been re-signed for the 2019/20 campaign – has also struck six times.
The Londoners are doing very well so far this season, winning six of their 11 games while currently sitting in 9th place, just three points off 1st-place West Brom.
The pair of them have been prolific inside the box this term, but which of the duo is better suited to Warburton’s style of play, and could potentially be a smart permanent signing in the future?We asked Football FanCast’s writers what they think…Billy Meyers“Although Hugill has been on fire in front of goal, I can’t help but feel as if Wells is better suited to what Warburton is trying to do with QPR right now.“The 57-year-old is seemingly trying to implement a more free-flowing, attack minded style of play with the R’s – the Londoners have had the fourth-highest average possession in the Championship with 53.6%, and they also have the fourth-most shots per game in the league with 13.9.“In that respect, with Wells standing at 5 foot 7 and possessing great pace, and Hugill a slightly more physical presence at 6 foot, the Bermuda international seems better suited to an on-the-floor, possession based style in which aerial presence isn’t required.”Kealan Hughes“It is a tough decision to make but Wells is the pick of the two, primarily because he fits better into the style of play that has been implemented this season, with an average of 20 passes per league game compared to Hugill’s 14.“Added to that, he is also more of a team player with 0.9 key passes per game, and that is crucial to linking up play and creating chances for the likes of Eberechi Eze.“He also has experience of promotion too from his time at Huddersfield, and is well aware of what it takes to grind out wins, which could prove hugely beneficial to QPR.“Whilst Hugill offers them an aerial threat with 3.2 aerial duels won per game, QPR have averaged 53.6% possession this term so it is clear that Warburton prefers a passing style, and therefore I have to opt for Wells over the West Ham man.”Matt Dawson “This is a difficult one to answer given their records this season. I don’t think many would have expected them to hit the ground running in the ways they have but that’s a testament to their abilities and willingness to never give up. Both Hugill and Wells were completely neglected figures at West Ham and Burnley respectively and struggled for minutes, so the fact they’ve netted 12 between them is hugely impressive. “If I had to pick between the pair of them, however, I’d suggest that Wells is the better fit for this QPR side. Mark Warburton spoke about wanting everyone’s first thought to be to play forward when he arrived at the club and the former Huddersfield man certainly suits the manager’s philosophy. “He has the ability to get in behind and is a tricky customer. With a pass success rate of 78.5% he’s slightly further ahead of his strike partner who has registered a measly 72.5%. This dictates that Wells is more likely to get them on the front foot and is undoubtedly the better fit.”Charles Jones“Both of these strikers are seemingly a good fit for QPR as they’ve both been finding the net regularly this season, but I’d have to say that Wells is the better of the two for what Warburton is trying to achieve.“Warburton has always appeared to be a manager who likes his teams to keep the ball on the ground and play it. His Brentford team ranked fourth in terms of the highest average possession during the 2014/15 season, and they were also right up there in terms of pass success rate – similar trends emerged during his short spell with Nottingham Forest.“Hugill’s main strengths come in his aerial ability as he wins 3.2 duels per game, whereas Wells is a player who thrives when the ball is on the ground as he can use his pace to get in behind defences.”
