Osayi-Samuel has 'never played better' says QPR boss Warburton

Mark Warburton reckons Bright Osayi-Samuel played his finest game for the Hoops in the New year’s Day demolition of Cardiff City.

The winger, who turned 22 on New Year’s Eve, was unplayable, scoring twice and having a hand in a third in the 6-1 rout.

He was relentless throughout and it seemed an act of mercy from Warburton when he withdrew him with 15 minutes to go to save him for other battles. It even prompted a few boos from the Loft End because they were enjoying watching him so much.

Has he played a better game? “Probably not,” said the Rangers manager.

“I thought he was very, very good. Bristol city away this season he gave the full-back a torrid time and he’s been very good in spells in games, but today he was consistent from the first whistle until the 75th minute.

“I’ve never been booed before at 6-0, I’ve got to say, but you’ve got to look after him. He came off because you’ve got to look after the young players – you can’t be playing on the 21st, 26th, 29th and first, whatever it may be, without injury and fatigue because of demands of the schedule.”

Warburton added: “He’s a power athlete, a fast athlete – rapid, with sheer pace who is great to watch.

“When you have that blistering pace, teams can’t handle it, as long as you know how to use it and that’s the key for him, learning the game – looking at videos and analysis of how to impact the game.

“But today he was outstanding and he deserved the applause. For him to play like that for 75 minutes today, I’m delighted.

“He’s a young player who’s had the benefit of an academy education. He’s working so hard. He’s got that beautiful attribute of pace – sheer pace which terrifies defenders. And when he uses it wisely as he did today, he’s a real handful.

“It’s good for the crowd to see a player getting them off their seats. That’s what you want, you want to enjoy coming to see your team and players like Brighty.”

Osayi-Samuel was so good, he even eclipsed Nahki Wells, even though the strike netted an excellent hat-trick. Warburton was full of praise for his finishing too on a perfect opening to 2020 for his team.

“We’ve scored six goals against a very good Cardiff team,” he said. “The one difference is that we put the ball in the back of the net. The stats are the same as the other games we’ve played, but today we were far more clinical.

“It’s about creating quality chances and we’ve been doing that. I thought w looked a really, really good team today. It’s about building on this now. The players will hopefully see how good they can be.”