One to Watch - Julian Speroni

Vital QPR have identified Crystal Palace`s number 1 goalkeeper as the One to Watch as QPR make the trip to Selhurst Park for another local derby in the npower Championship.

Name: Julian Speroni

Date of Birth: 18/5/79

Former Clubs: Club Atlético Platense, Dundee,

Appearances: 254

Described by QPR manager Neil Warnock as 'one of the best in the country', Speroni will be eager to live up to his former managers' words and keep top of the table QPR at bay in their meeting on Saturday. A glowing reputation in the Championship has seen Speroni linked with transfers away from Palace to likes of Celtic and Fulham, but whilst he remains at the London club he will be giving his all in keeping as many clean sheets as possible.

Speroni initially started his career at Club Atlético Platense, but moved after just one year as a professional to Scottish side Dundee. He quickly became recognised as one of the best keepers in Scotland, and it was reported he was close to receiving a call up to the Argentina national team. Having made over 100 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish side, Speroni was eventually forced to leave for Crystal Palace due to Dundee`s imposing financial difficulties.

His first season at Selhurst Park saw him largely play understudy to Gabor Kiraly, but in the few games he did play, he showed his impressive shot stopping abilities and agility. Following Kiraly's move away from Selhurst in 2007, Speroni stepped into the vacant goalkeeping role and has never looked back.

A flourishing reputation led him to become the first man to win three consecutive 'Player of the Year` awards at Palace, and his form over the past three seasons has seen him successfully position himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Palace`s history. The likes of Taarabt and Mackie will have to be at their clinical best to have any chance of continuing their impressive goalscoring form.




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