By 
Tim Iroegbunam has joined QPR on loan from Aston Villa.
The 19-year-old midfielder is set to remain at Loftus Road for the duration of the 2022/23 campaign, Megasportsarena.com understands.
The youngster links up with Nigerian international Leon Balogun who joined the Loftus Road side after his time with Glasgow Rangers.
Iroegbunam came through the youth system at West Bromwich Albion before signing for Aston Villa last summer.
He made his professional debut just six months ago in the Premier League as a substitute against Brighton.
Mick Beale was in the Villa dugout that day as part of Steven Gerrard’s coaching staff, and Iroegbunam is looking forward to working with the QPR head coach again.
“I’m feeling excited,” he said. “I can’t wait to get started and I’m ready to bring all I can to the team.
“I knew QPR would be a good team to come to because I was with the gaffer last season and I know he likes to play football. That attracted me.
“We got on well last season and I am looking forward to rebuilding that again.”
Iroegbunam admits he enjoys the defensive side of the game and relishes a clean sheet as much as a goal.
“I like to press, win the ball back, get on the ball and play forwards, dribble the ball, everything,” he said.
“I probably like defending more than attacking. I would rather stop a goal than score one, I have always been like that.
“I like the thrill of making a sliding tackle, winning the ball, and getting back up – it makes me feel good.
“I want to help the team do as well as we can.”
Beale believes Iroegbunam has huge potential, as well as versatility, explaining: “He trained with the Aston Vila first team every day and is a really composed midfielder. He offers flexibility in terms of being able to play as an 8 or a 6.
“He has athleticism, he regains the ball, he is calm in possession, progressive in his passing; he has everything the modern player needs.
“Now it is just about gaining experience. I think he is ready to be in and around a Premier League squad like he has been at Aston Villa so I am excited to have him here at QPR in the Championship. Once he settles, he can be a huge asset for us.”
While Beale is excited about what Iroegbunam can offer, he is keen to stress the youngster will need time, having only made his professional bow earlier this year.
“For any player that joins the club, we need to allow them time to get around their team-mates, allow them to feel themselves in our environment,” said the R’s boss.
“That is our job, to make him feel comfortable in our environment because as soon as we do he is going to play very well.
“I have got high hopes for him but they are just words. We have to give him the platform to play but he has got to earn that in his training and he has got to earn the respect of his team-mates.
“Once he does, I think he will do very well for us.”
Iroegbunam will wear shirt number 47 at Loftus Road.
Comments