QPR: The perfect like-for-like Chris Willock replacement is Myron van Brederode | OneFootball

Chris Willock could be departing Loftus Road at the end of the season.

The 26-year-old has been a good servant to the Hoops over the last few years, but his time in the blue and white of Queens Park Rangers could be coming to an end.

Willock signed for QPR back in 2020, from Benfica, and has since made over 130 appearances in all competitions. The Arsenal academy graduate has played in several different positions for the Hoops and has been a vital attacking asset, grabbing 39 goal contributions (As of the 20th of February).

He either operates in the number ten role, on the left or right wing, or even up front as the number nine, and has been a constant threat to Championship defenders.

This season, however, he has been slightly subpar to his standards. His fitness has been a slight issue at times, and he has only managed five full ninety-minute appearances in the Championship this season.

Willock's contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and he could become a free agent, meaning QPR will have to go and find a replacement.

Today, Football League World takes a look at the perfect like-for-like Willock replacement, according to FBref.

FBref suggests Myron van Brederode as a Willock replacement

FBref possesses a smart 'similar players' tool on their site, which gives you a list of players closest in similarity to your chosen player, according to a range of statistics. The tool takes statistics from the last 365 days and compares players from the top leagues around the world.

In Chris Willock's case, the one player with the most similar statistics and attributes from the last year is 20-year-old, Myron van Brederode. This may be a reasonably unknown name to many QPR supporters, but the young Dutchman is a regular in the Eredivisie for AZ Alkmaar.

Van Brederode was a machine in Dutch youth football, scoring 18 goals and assisting 13 in just 43 games for AZ's U18s and U17s. Now at 20 years old, he is not quite hitting the same numbers in senior football, but he has tremendous quality.

Right-footed, like Willock, the youngster most often appears on the left wing and typically enjoys cutting inside on his favoured right foot. Similarly to the QPR man, he is also capable of playing behind the striker and on the right wing, and possesses great skill.

Looking at 2023/24 statistics, there have been little goals and assists between the two, but both are very progressive in their play. As of the 12th of February, Willock has 61 progressive carries under his belt and 68 progressive passes in 26 appearances, compared to Van Brederode's 44 carries and 61 passes in 19 appearances. The Dutchman shows a real intention to move the ball forward and create chances.

Both also receive a high number of progressive passes, suggesting an ability to find space and get into dangerous attacking positions.

Would Van Brederode fit in at QPR?

If Willock does depart in the summer, QPR would need to add to their winger options, and the 20-year-old does seem to fit the bill. He's exciting, forward-thinking and has an eye for goal that needs unlocking in senior football. Having played in the Netherlands his whole life, a move to England may be an initial shock, but the Championship would allow him to settle into the English footballing style.

Van Brederode already has European football under his belt, having played in the Conference League, making the semi-finals last year before losing out to eventual winners, West Ham. The Dutchman started both games against the Irons, so is no stranger to playing against an English side. On top of that, his side AZ Alkmaar are in Aston Villa's Conference League group this season, and he came on as a substitute at Villa Park.

He is similar to Ilias Chair in that they both enjoy cutting in from the left and shooting with their right foot, so he may be an exciting option off the bench when Chair is in the starting eleven. He could also form partnerships with new attacking signings, Lucas Andersen and Michael Frey who have had an immediate impact since signing in January.