One To Watch - Emanuel Villa

Vital QPR has picked out Derby County striker Emanuel Villa as the one to watch going into today`s clash at Loftus Road.

The Argentinean striker made his name in his home country where he was able to showcase his talent in the Premier League.

Villa has played for a plethora of clubs in his home nation; Huracán was the first back in 2001, where the striker was in good form to score 10 goals in his first full season.

He was then moved onto Atletico Rafaela, where despite being relegated, Villa managed to bag 9 goals in 24 appearances for the side.

It wasn`t long before he got a move back to the Premier League with Rosario Central where another impressive 18 goals in 43 games saw him move on to Mexico with Atlas in Guadalajara. A real traveller on the South American circuit, Villa was on the move once more, this time with the club he really made his name with, UAG Tecos.

The Argentinean striker bagged 13 goals in 33 appearances for his new club, but once again found himself on the move against the wishes of Tecos` coach César Luis Menotti who was furious the move was sanctioned and left the club soon after.

Villa joined struggling Derby County in the Premier League, as Steve Howard left for Leicester City. Manager Paul Jewell was delighted with the deal,

'I can't wait to see 'Tito' in a Derby shirt because he looks good in training. I'm sure he will be a big fans' favourite.'

Villa himself stated on the move to Pride Park, 'I know I'm arriving at a team with relegation problems. I must get used to their league immediately because there is no time for mistakes."

Derby County were subsequently relegated with only one home win to their name, and still haven`t picked up an away win since beating Barnsley in March 2007.

In Emanuel Villa they have a striker with proven goalscoring pedigree in the top leagues of South America - whether he can transfer this to English football remains to be seen.

We want to know YOUR thoughts!

To have your say you can comment in the space provided below, or chat about it on the forum.

TOP STORIES

Rowley Called Up.

QPR v Derby County - Match Preview.

One Day In History - Derby County 1982-83.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.