One to Watch – Robert Koren

QPR will brave the cold as they travel to the KC Stadium on Saturday and Vital QPR has identified Hull City midfielder Robert Koren as the One to Watch ahead of the npower Championship meeting.

Name: Robert Koren

Date of Birth: 20/09/80

Former Clubs: Dravograd, Celje, Lillestrom, West Bromwich Albion

Appearances (Goals): 423 (79)

Experienced midfielder Robert Koren will be determined to continue Hull`s recent fine run of form as Hull welcome unbeaten QPR to Yorkshire. Having already made over 400 league appearances in a long career, the Slovenian international will have to be stopped if the Rs want to take anything from the game.

Koren`s early career saw him turn out for Slovenian football cub Dravograd over 100 times, netting 17 times. His reputation continued to blossom at Slovenian first division side Celje, before he made the switch to Norwegian top-flight side Lillestrom in the summer of 2004. The midfield playmaker soon became one of the most highly rated players in the Norwegian Premier League and was compared to his idol Slovenian Zlatko Zahovic on numerous occasions.

He made 75 appearances for Lillestrom before moving to England, signing for West Bromwich Albion in January 2007. Koren immediately established himself as a first team regular and after making his first team debut in an FA Cup victory over Leeds, he scored his first goal shortly after in a 7-0 demolition of Barnsley.

In his first full season with the Baggies, Robert bagged an impressive 10 goals. Robert remained an integral part of the Baggies’ side following their promotion to the Premier League. Although finishing the campaign as West Brom’s most-capped outfield player, the attacking midfielder was unable to prevent their slide back into the Championship though.

Surprisingly WBA decided against renewing the 30 year olds contract and in August 2010 Hull managed to secure his signature, fighting off competition from teams in the Premier League and Serie A. Koren has made an impressive start to his Hull career and with already 5 league goals to his name, he will be looking to add to his tally. With over 50 appearances for his national side, the skilful midfielder is one of the stand out performers for The Tigers.




Have your say on The Forum

Follow us on Twitter