QPR midfielder Leroy Fer looking forward to facing cousin against Sunderland
QPR's Leroy Fer in action on his debut against Tottenham - Credit: EMPICS Sport
Leroy Fer says his home debut for QPR against Sunderland on Saturday will be an extra special occasion because he will come up against his cousin Patrick van Aanholt.
Fer joined Rangers from Norwich City for £8million and started for the Rs in the 4-0 defeat at Spurs.
The Dutch international is now hopeful that playing at home will help the team after such a poor performance at White Hart Lane.
Fer said: “Against Sunderland I will be playing against my cousin Patrick van Aanholt, which will be nice.
“I watched the game against Hull City and I thought the team played really well so I am looking forward to playing at Loftus Road – it gives us a boost.”
Fer struggled to impose himself against Tottenham and could only look on as his former FC Twente team- mate Nacer Chadli scored twice for Spurs in the first 37 minutes.
However, the 24-year-old is confident that, after some extra time getting to know his new team-mates, he will deliver a much better performance against the Black Cats.
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He said: “I have to improve my game, step up my game, because what I showed was not that good.
“I only trained for three days with the group but that is no excuse because I know what my abilities are and I know that I can do much better.”
Nicknamed ‘The Bouncer’ during his time at Feyenoord, Fer picked up a yellow card for a late challenge on Etienne Capoue on Sunday – and he admits he is more comfortable attacking than defending.
He said: “At Feyenoord I was one of the biggest and strongest players but in England it is different – there are much bigger and stronger players than there are in the Dutch league.
“I like to play behind the striker or in central midfield – not in a defensive role, not sitting.”
Fer scored four goals last season for relegated Norwich and is confident his new side have the ability to avoid the same fate.
Fer added: “I just want to win games – that’s the important thing because we have to stay up. I think we have the team for it.
“We have to learn from the game and look forward because we can’t afford to let it happen any more.”
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