Taarabt's time to shine

Frustrating. Nightmare. Liability.

Those are just three of the words often used to describe Queens Park Rangers' enigmatic playmaker Adel Taarabt.

He can make you tear your hair out. Sometimes he shoots from ridiculous angles. Sometimes he ignores teammates in good positions. Sometimes he strops if things don't go his way.

But intertwined among all his faults is perhaps the most talented footballer I have ever seen in a QPR shirt.

OK, so maybe that's not saying much. Seriously though, the guy is a modern-day maverick. His extensive catalogue of flicks and tricks, his ability to score ridiculous goals and the way he winds up opposition fans mean it's hard not to be totally fixated by the Moroccan whenever he's on the ball.

He was instrumental last season in securing QPR's promotion from the Championship - a picture illustrated by his 19 goals and 16 assists.

Of course, his critics will say, it's all well and good doing the business in the second tier of English football - can he do it in the Premier League?

Well for an elongated period of time, the answer to that seemed to be no.

Talk of a summer transfer to Paris Saint-Germain unsettled Taarabt, who admitted his 'head was in Paris,' before the move collapsed when Leonardo arrived as the French club's sporting director.

Fine early season performances at home to Newcastle and Aston Villa brought promise for better things to come, but the sparkling performances that had seen Taarabt voted the Championship's best player the season before were not forthcoming.

He was no longer the centre of attention at QPR - Tony Fernandes became major shareholder of the west London club and enabled boss Neil Warnock to sign big-name players Shaun Wright-Phillips and Joey Barton.

Warnock took the captain's armband off Taarabt, gave it to Barton and from then on in, things went downhill for the playmaker.

An ineffective performance against former club Tottenham Hotspur in late October was the final straw, and Taarabt was dropped.

The saddest thing was that he looked like he'd lost his flair. Everything that made him brilliantly original to watch - the bare-faced cheek and arrogance ever-present throughout the previous season, seemingly gone.

He wouldn't start a game again until just before the New Year, by which time Warnock was under serious pressure as QPR's slide towards the relegation zone showed little sign of ending.

Thankfully, Taarabt's return proved he hadn't lost what makes him such an original footballer. The outrageous skill was back, complimented nicely by an improved work-rate.

It wasn't enough to save Warnock though, who was sacked by Fernandes after a 1-1 draw away to MK Dons in the FA Cup third round.

Mark Hughes was quickly appointed and Rangers again splashed the cash, landing the likes of Samba Diakite, Bobby Zamora, and probably most impressively, Djibril Cisse.

Under the guidance of the ex-Manchester City manager, Taarabt's defensive play has improved immeasurably. Thankfully though, the freedom the Moroccan has often enjoyed is still present in his play.

After waiting an age for a Premier League goal, two came in the space of three weeks.

The first, against Arsenal, was typical Taarabt. Picking the ball up with his back to goal, he turned before nutmegging Thomas Vermaelen, and then holding off the Belgian before stroking the ball past Wojciech Szczesny.

The second, a fine free-kick from 25 yards, sealed a crucial 1-0 victory against Tottenham.

After initially struggling, 'Tarbs' is now demonstrating that he can make the step up to Premier League level - coming to the fore as QPR fight to remain in the Premier League.

The temperament is still as unpredictable as ever. But that's what makes him what he is. Take the temper, the unpredictability and the arrogance from Taarabt's game and you are left with the shadow of the player he could still become. He is, after all, still only 22 years of age.

Yes, he still needs to improve. Yes, he's a luxury player. And yes, he needs to stop wearing gloves in May.

But, irrespective of whether QPR can stay in the Premier League, Adel Taarabt has to be playing at the top level next season.

Inside the stroppy, maverick interior is a man who is beginning to turn into one hell of a footballer.

Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur – Text commentary

Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur – Text commentary

1930: Good Evening - What a massive game this is for both clubs! Spurs, of course, need to win tonight to keep the push for Champions League football alive. But it's a big game for the hosts too - a win tonight would take Bolton three points clear of the relegation zone with just two games to play. It's most definitely game on.

1950: Very emotional scenes as Fabrice Muamba is paraded around the pitch. The England under-21 midfielder's recovery from the cardiac arrest he suffered when the two sides met at White Hart Lane just 47 days ago has been absolutely astounding and it's excellent to see him fit and well. Both sets of fans give Muamba a standing ovation and sing his name.

1955: The teams are in the tunnel and we are nearly underway in chilly Bolton. The teams are in, and Spurs are unchanged after Aaron Lennon passes a late fitness test. Bolton are also unchanged from their 2-2 draw at Sunderland at the weekend.

Bolton Wanderers: Bogdan, Ricketts, Boyata, Wheater, Ream, Eagles, M. Davies, Reo-Coker, Petrov, Ngog, K.Davies.

Tottenham Hotspur: Friedel, Walker, Kaboul, Gallas, Rose, Lennon, Modric, Sandro, Bale, Van der Vaart, Adebayor.

2000: We're off and running at the Reebok.

2 mins: It's Spurs who fashion the first chance. Van der Vaart's corner is met by Emmanuel Adebayor - who flicks his headed effort just wide.

5 mins: I tell you what - you wouldn't know that Aaron Lennon was struggling in the lead up to this game. The knock he took against Blackburn on Sunday doesn't look to be affecting him here. He's buzzing around and you get the feeling Sam Ricketts is going to be in for a long evening trying to keep the England winger quiet.

11 mins: CHANCE. First real chance of the game, and it goes to Spurs. Gareth Bale is given too much space outside the Bolton area, and after Adam Bogdan spills his 25-yard effort, the goalkeeper is alert to make a really good save to deny Van der Vaart from the rebound.

13 mins: Spurs are really starting to knock on the Bolton door now. Van der Vaart's fine through ball releases Adebayor, but his touch lets him down as he bears down on Bogdan's goal.

17 mins: It's still all Tottenham. Lennon is causing all sorts of problems, and after a one-two with Adebayor, his shot is deflected just over the bar.

21 mins: Bolton have settled down and are starting to get into the game.

24 mins: How are Spurs not ahead? This time it's Bale whose pace proves too much for Bolton's backline - and after he outpaces both Boyata and Wheater, his low cross evades everyone.

27 mins: For anyone out there who thinks I'm being biased here - I'm not. Bolton have created nothing so far and it's all Spurs.

30 mins: After Bale is felled 25 yards out, Van der Vaart bends the resultant free-kick just wide, though Bogdan probably had it covered.

35 mins: CHANCE. Bolton have finally woken up. Martin Petrov gets away from Kyle Walker before firing a low cross in. Nobody can meet it, but Chris Eagles pulls the ball back to David Ngog. The Liverpool winger is unmarked six yards out, but Brad Friedel comes out of his goal quickly and does well to block the shot.

36 mins: This game is heating up nicely now. Spurs go straight back on the attack, and after Adebayor robs Reo-Coker, he feeds Van der Vaart whose low right foot shot is well parried by Bogdan.

37 mins: GOAL! And what a goal it is. Tottenham finally make the breakthrough. Van der Vaart's corner is played all the way back to Luka Modric. He controls the ball on his chest before arrowing a 25-yard screamer right into the top corner.

40 mins: Spurs go close to adding another before half-time. Another Van der Vaart corner causes difficult for Bolton. This time he picks out Sandro, who, completely unmarked, can only guide his header wide of the target.

42 mins: PENALTY APPEAL. The home side think they've got a shout for a penalty. Ngog falls to the ground as he tries to wriggle past Younes Kaboul and William Gallas. Ref Mike Dean, however, does not point to the spot.

45 + 2 mins: CHANCE. Ohhh! What a chance for the home side. Kevin Davies heads a freekick back across goal, and from just six yards out, Boyata baloons his effort well over the bar. Big let off for Spurs.

HALF-TIME - Bolton 0-1 Tottenham.

Spurs deserve their lead and could really have been out of sight. Van der Vaart and Lennon have looked especially lively. Bolton have come into the game as the half has wore on, and could regret Boyata's miss on the stroke of half-time.

47 mins: Real purpose to Bolton at the start of this second half. They're zipping the ball around with real purpose and controlling possession.

51 mins: GOAL. Bolton's best spell so far is rewarded. Spurs can't clear a long throw properly, and after Ngog backheels the ball into his path, Reo-Coker smashes it past Brad Friedel. Game very much on.

52 mins: Petrov has been a constant thorn in the side of Kyle Walker tonight, and Walker is booked after pulling the Bulgarian's shirt as he tried to race clear down the left.

55 mins: They were subdued in the first half, but the Reebok crowd have really found their voice. Spurs just can't get out of their own half at the moment.

59 mins: Only a last-ditch intervention from Sandro prevents Davies heading in a Petrov corner, before Chris Eagles is just inches from giving the home side the lead with a shot from the edge of the area. Spurs need to get hold of the ball.

60 mins: GOAL. Unbelievable stuff. Spurs retake the lead despite the siege Friedel's goal has been under in the last 15 minutes. Bale is too quick for Boyata down the left, and his low cross is directed straight into the path of Van der Vaart, who elegantly strokes the ball past Bogdan and into the far corner for his 11th Premier League goal of the season.

62 mins: GOAL. After Bolton had made all the running at the start of the half, Spurs score twice in 2 minutes - and this one comes from a fine break. Modric's sublime pass frees Lennon, who, despite being through on goal, unselfishly squares the ball for Adebayor to tap home. Spurs are marching towards the Champions League!

63 mins: This game has really come alive in the second half. Ngog does well to spin Kaboul, but his shot is straight at Friedel, who saves comfortably.

64 mins: Bolton are all over the place defensively. Danny Rose bursts down the left but his cross just evades a sliding Adebayor as Spurs look to put the game to bed.

65 mins: SUBSTITUTION: Double sub for the home side as Ivan Klasnic and Joshua Vela replace Reo-Coker and Ngog.

66 mins: And the substituton nearly pays dividends for Owen Coyle. Both subs are involved in a move which ends with the lively Eagles screwing his shot wide.

69 mins: GOAL. Game, set and match. Excellent work from Bale sees him progress from the halfway line before a fine through ball puts Adebayor in on goal. The Togolese striker makes no mistake, rounding Bogdan with ease before slotting home.

70 mins: Bolton frustrations are starting to show and sub Vela is booked for a lunge on Lennon.

73 mins: You have to wonder what sort of ramifications this result will have for the home side. This was their game in hand - the chance to pull away from the bottom three. Barring a miracle, they will still occupy a relegation spot at the end of the game. And their goal difference has been considerably worsened too. A night to forget so far for Coyle's team.

77 mins: Chris Eagles is next to be booked, for a late tackle on Sandro.

79 mins: SUBSTITUTION: Rafael Van der Vaart is subbed to a standing ovation from the traveling army. Jake Livermore is on in his place.

83 mins: SUBSTITUTION: Final change for Bolton who replace Eagles with Arsenal loanee Ryo Miyaichi.

85 mins: Bolton fans are streaming from the exits - and it's nearly five for Spurs. Bale, whose passing has been very impressive tonight, plays a pass through to Adebayor. His attempted lob beats Bogdan but goes just over the crossbar.

87 mins: SUBSTITUTION: Ryan Nelsen gets a run-out. William Gallas has taken a knock and is the man to make way.

89 mins: You have to feel for the Bolton fans that have stayed. Bar that 15-minute salvo at the start of the second half, they've been totally outplayed tonight. Bale again escapes the clutches of his marker, before unleashing a goal-bound effort that is deflected wide.

90 mins: Four minutes of time to be added. The Tottenham fans behind Adam Bogdan's goal are in fine voice as they celebrate what will be Spurs' first league win at the Reebok.

93 mins: It's all Bale again. He's really tormented Bolton's backline today, and his low cross is deflected towards the goal by Ricketts - Bogdan makes a good acrobatic save to keep it out.

94 mins: FINAL WHISTLE - Bolton 1-4 Tottenham.

That's it! In the end it turned out to be a fairly simple win for Spurs. Bale, Van der Vaart, Lennon and Adebayor were all very good tonight, but Sky's man of the match is Luka Modric - whose fantastic goal set the wheels in motion for a win that takes Spurs to just one point off Arsenal in third place.

For the home side, it's been a torrid evening. They stay in 18th, behind 17th placed Queens Park Rangers because of their inferior goal difference.