Queens Park Rangers' ex-midfielder Shaun Derry has been praising the talents of Adel Taarabt, amid speculation that the Moroccan could soon be available for a transfer. 

According to Portuguese media outlet, The Record, Taarabt could be set for a Benfica exit having failed to make an impact in Portugal.

Taarabt was a revelation for QPR in the 2010/2011 season, when he netted 19 goals, including some stunning strikes that will long live in the memory of the Loftus Road faithful.

Taarabt's former teammate Derry, who was speaking to Love Sport Radio on a QPR Fan Show, was full of praise for the 29-year-old and described the Moroccan as 'the best player he has ever played with':

"Well if he is linked with QPR once again that would be unbelievable. He was the best player I ever played with.

"He was individually brilliant and some of the things the fans didn’t see that he did in training everyday blew your mind."

Derry also admitted that he has been disappointed with his career path since he left QPR, but would be keen to see him return to Loftus Road to help play a part in QPR's season:

"The question has always been asked about Adel. I’m so disappointed that he’s not gone and played at a big, big team for a long period of time, because talking about talent, he should have been in one of the top five or six clubs in the world.

"So, having him back at Loftus Road would be incredible, but he would have to be fit. The Championship has changed since Adel left."

The R's currently find themselves in mid-table under the management of Steve McClaren.

The Verdict

Taarabt was superb during his time at Loftus Road and arguably played the best football of his career in blue and white.

The QPR faithful would love to see him back at the club if it was a possibility, and hearing Derry discuss him in this light will only make them admire him more.

Thoughts? Let us know!