Luongo proves Hasselbaink wrong

Socceroos midfielder Massimo Luongo has proved QPR manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink wrong by adapting his game into a more defensive role.

during the Sky Bet Championship match between Queens Park Rangers and Wolverhampton Wanderers on January 23, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. Source: Getty Images

The Dutch manager had doubts as to whether Luongo could feature in his Championship side as a balanced central midfielder.

However, Luongo's defensive commitment has convinced his manager into giving him a starring role at the heart of midfield.

After starting just one of Hasselbaink's first seven league games in charge, Luongo has played every minute of QPR’s last three league fixtures as the London-based club have extended their unbeaten run to four matches.

"Massimo has given us something different. He's very calm on the ball, very easy on the eye," Hasselbaink said, to WestLondonsport.com.

"Also he's done the other side of the game. That was my worry, but he has proven to us that he can do that. Now he has to do that for the rest of the season.”

"You need that four in the centre of the park, the two central defenders and the midfielders, to be a unit."

Luongo’s relationship with Hasselbaink, who took charge of QPR in December, has clearly been part of a blossoming process.

"I am very happy," Luongo said.

"The manager has asked for a different side of me to come out in games and I have worked to do that in training while I wasn't getting in the team.

“A little bit of luck got me in the side, and I am really happy to be back in."

Luongo has played 17 league matches for QPR since joining from League One club Swindon Town before the 2015-16 campaign.