Dion Sanderson joins on loan

DION Sanderson has joined QPR on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The 22-year-old centre-back will stay with the R’s for the remainder of the 2021/22 season.

Sanderson came through the youth system at Molineux, having been with the club since he was just eight, and he is looking forward to his spell in west London after spending the first half of the campaign with Birmingham City.

“I am very excited,” he said. “This is the next stage of my development and I couldn’t be anywhere better than QPR.”

Sanderson featured in both Championship fixtures for the Blues against Rangers this season and he believes the way the R’s like to play will complement him perfectly.

“I studied QPR, their style of play and how the gaffer likes to play, and it suits me so it just made absolute sense to come here.”

Describing himself as a player, Sanderson added: “I am comfortable anywhere along the back three.

“I’m an aggressive ball-playing defender. I like to do my job first which is defending but I like to help the team out going forward as well.”

In terms of the physicality of the Championship, Sanderson admits that’s the side of the game he relishes.

“I like a battle, I like a fight with any strikers,” he said with a smile.

“It’s part of my game. I might not look the biggest but I’ll give you a tough time. The physical side is a given and it’s great being a defender, having that battle with your opponent.”

Sanderson joins a QPR side challenging in the top six and he added: “The team are in a good place.

“Promotion is key but we have to take one game at a time. Wherever the gaffer wants me to help, I’m willing to help – whether that’s playing or in the dressing room around the boys.”

QPR boss Mark Warburton has been keen to add depth to his defence and is delighted to acquire the services of Sanderson.

“I am really pleased we have been able to bring Dion in,” Warburton said.

“We need to have competition for places and he certainly brings that because he has the quality to play anywhere across the back three.

“He played against us earlier in the season at home and he showed his quality on the left side. More recently, he played against us for Birmingham in the away game and was very strong on the right.”

Warburton admitted Sanderson’s qualities made him 'an immediate target' for Rangers, explaining: “He drives into midfield, he can see a pass, his all-round game is very good and he is only going to get better.

“He is solid, quick, a good athlete and comfortable on the ball, so he was an immediate target for us.

“I am delighted to have him with us.”

Sanderson is fit and available for selection for Saturday’s home fixture with Reading.