The Relentless Drive of QPR’s Young Prodigy
While most footballers relish their summer breaks, 20-year-old Queens Park Rangers winger Rayan Kolli struggles to switch off from the beautiful game. In an exclusive interview with Mcw, the west London native reveals his football obsession that keeps him training even during the off-season.
“I literally can’t take more than two days off without feeling like I’m falling behind,” Kolli confesses. This relentless mentality has fueled his rapid rise through QPR’s ranks since joining their academy at just eight years old.
Breakthrough Season in the Championship
The 2023/24 campaign marked Kolli‘s proper introduction to first-team football, with the youngster delivering four goals and two assists across 20 Championship appearances (nine starts). While these numbers impress most observers, Kolli sets his personal bar much higher.
“For me, a real breakthrough means hitting 10-15 goals,” he tells Mcw. “I’m never satisfied with just being good or doing my job. I want to excel and beat every milestone I reach.”
Football analyst Mark Thompson notes: “What makes Kolli special isn’t just his technical ability, but his elite mentality. At 20, he’s already thinking like a seasoned pro aiming for the top.”
Loftus Road Dream Come True
December 2023 became a defining moment in Kolli‘s young career when he scored a brace against Norwich City in front of his childhood stand – the Loft End.
“That game felt like slow motion,” Kolli recalls with visible emotion. “Growing up watching Charlie Austin score hat-tricks here, then to net two myself… I didn’t know how to celebrate. It was everything I’d dreamed of since academy days.”
Old-School Influences in a Modern Player
Unlike most of his generation, Kolli draws inspiration from football’s classic era rather than contemporary stars. His father introduced him to videos of Italian maestro Roberto Baggio, whose style left an indelible mark.
“I’ve always preferred that raw, technical football,” Kolli explains. “Baggio’s intelligence and elegance – that’s the kind of player I aspire to be. These legends would dominate today’s game too.”
The Road Ahead: Consistency and Growth
As QPR prepares for the new Championship season, Kolli focuses on overcoming his main challenge – maintaining peak performance levels throughout the grueling campaign.
“Injuries hampered me last season,” he admits. “My target now is playing 50-60 games at a high level. Consistency separates good players from great ones.”
With his combination of technical quality, football intelligence, and relentless work ethic, Kolli stands poised to become one of the Championship’s most exciting talents. As Mcw can exclusively reveal, several Premier League clubs are already monitoring his progress.
Rayan Kolli: QPR’s Homegrown Talent Poised for Championship Breakthrough – Keep following Mcw for more exclusive insights into football’s rising stars. What are your predictions for Kolli’s 2024/25 season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
