Being the next big thing to come out of an academy that has produced talents such as Raheem Sterling and Peter Crouch is no easy feat, but it seems to come naturally to Aaron Drewe.
The 20-year-old has wasted no time in earning praise from opposition scouts, QPR academy staff and pundits alike as the right back continually reaches new heights with his performances.
Being snatched up at nine-years-old by QPR, the London-born defender is used to working hard and performing at a top level for over a decade. Having to go toe-to-toe with players such as Jude Bellingham, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Billy Gilmour throughout his youth career, Drewe has been playing with top talents his entire life, something he says has helped him grow as a player.
‘Playing against guys of that level has helped me reach new levels as I have had to adapt and grow my game to defend against them,’ he told TIBS News.
‘It was also nice to know that I was rated good enough to hold my own against names like that and it gives me confidence to kick on and reach the top level myself. It just reassures me that the path I am on does end up well.’
Mr Goal-line Clearance
While Drewe may not have his name as well-known as his former youth opponents, that by no means doesn’t mean he hasn’t been attracting fame and making headlines for himself.
Many people will have seen his heroics on loan for Oxford City against Northampton in the FA Cup first round last season, after a clip of his goal-line block to stop Mark Marshall from scoring reached over a million views in 24 hours. Described as ‘world-class and unbelievable at any level of football’, his block would propel him into fame, with the right back getting so much attention that his phone broke.
Drewe recalls that night with a smile on his face as he spoke about what went through his head: ‘I didn’t think about the block until after the game as in my head I was just doing my job but when I got to the dressing room my phone didn’t stop buzzing.
‘There were so many notifications from people congratulating me that my phone actually froze as it couldn’t handle it.
‘It was nice to be compared to [Brazil legend] Cafu and it gave me a little boost for the rest of the season.’
This would kick off an unforgettable season for Drewe as he joined Oxford City on loan for the 2019-20 season. Earning himself the nickname ‘Mr Goal-line Clearance’, after repeatedly stopping certain goals at the last second on numerous occasions, it was a surprise to no-one when he was named in the team of the season and awarded the Fans’ Young Player of the Year. Highlighting his ability to be effective in the attack as well as defence was his productivity of three goals and six assists in a season that was curtailed before 20 league games had been played.
Drewe on his promising future at QPR
Taking that form back to QPR, Drewe has continued to impress both inside and outside of his club as he works to stay match fit with the Under-23 side. Scouts from EFL sides have been a regular sight on the sidelines as they see the versatile player in action for themselves. Able to play as a centre back and defensive midfielder too, Drewe started his last game in midfield, a position relatively new to him, ended up seeing his side win 6-2 and himself being named man-of-the-match.
Turning his sight to the future, Drewe is keen to take whatever opportunities come his way this season.
‘I am happy to do what the club needs me to do. Whether that be a loan move away to try and get some more experience at senior level or if they need me as back-up for the first team or if they want me to keep developing here.
‘Who knows what will happen but I am eager to see what challenges arise and get to work on them.’
With very few players boasting such a successful record at such a young age, Drewe has huge potential to become a great star for any team. Those with eager eyes will be watching keenly to see what this young prospect achieves in his career.
