Scott Parker is undoubtedly a player of enormous talent. In the modern game he is a rare breed, an 'all round' midfielder who is as comfortable in defensive situations as attacking. He has represented his country at every level since appearing for the under 15's some fourteen years ago, and has cost a collective 23.5 million in transfer fees. But for a player who has promised much, the Lambeth born talent has ultimately delivered very little.
The footballing career of Scott Parker thus far can be best described as fitful. The tough tackling competitor, for one reason or another, has only sporadically showcased the sort of skill which made him one of the brightest prospects in English football at Charlton. So when and why did Parker's career begin to stutter?
His ascendence at Charlton was dramatic. Much like his haircut, if anybody cares to remember his flowing, ginger bonce in 2002? Signed at a relatively late age in todays market at 15, it wasnt long before the midfielder was making an impression in the senior squad. Parker's stellar performances in the 2003/2004 season led him to be being named PFA Young Player Of The Year. However a combination of bad decision-making; on the players behalf; and bad fortune, hindered his development.
In the March of 2004, Parker transferred from Charlton to the newly prosperous Chelsea after a protracted and acrimonious saga between the two London clubs. Like numerous other young British talents, Parker had only limited first team opportunities at Stamford Bridge. Hardly suprising considering he would have had to userp Claude Makalele or Frank Lampard to feature in the starting eleven.
Since his 18 months in the wilderness playing, or more accurately not playing under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, Parker has failed to find any sort of consistency in his game. The clubs that Parker has signed for have turned out to be less than inspired choices. At both Newcastle and West ham, the manager who brought him to the club was dismissed in a matter of months.
A succession of injuries hasn't helped his cause either. His spell at St James Park was littered with ailments, as has been his time with West Ham; for both him and his team mates. Graeme Souness' injury list at Newcastle in 2006 can only be rivalled by that of Alan Curbishley's at West ham in 2007. It was six weeks into the season before Parker made his debut for the Hammers because of a lingering ankle complaint.
However Parker has remained fit this season and although not back to his exceptional best, has found something that represents form. His performances have given the Upton Park faithful something to cheer about during an otherwise turbulent campaign; although the situation at the East London club improves every week under the tutelage of Gianfranco Zola. Parker has benefited from the the Italians lucid approach to the game but for how long Zola will be in the possession of Parker remains to be seen...
Other Premiership clubs will undoubtedly be watching the precaurious financial situation at West Ham unfold, waiting to pounce like a bargain hunter in the aisles of Debenhams on January 1st. The likes of Manchester City and Tottenham are in urgent need of a strong, footballing midfielder. However Parker could be forgiven for aiming his sights a little higher this time around, if he is indeed looking to move on. Out of the 'Big Four', Arsenal for one could certainly benefit from the midfield expertise of the England International. It could also be argued that his ex-club Chelsea could do with soembody of his elk in the ranks.
At 28 years of age, it really is make or break time for Scott. Realistically, he only has one more big move in him. I believe Parker has the pedigree to shine on the brightest of footballing stages. The question is at this point in his career, will anybody give him the opportunity to do so?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Well written piece mate. It is indeed a mystery why the fella hasnt realised his potential as yet.Think u hit the nail on the head regarding the Chelsea move, sort of stopped him in his tracks coming off the back of some great form at Charlton only to be a squad player at Stamford Bridge.The four years before this he also put together a decent run of games each season without major injury, so to see the likes of robben and jarosik signed when he was already down the pecking order and wid fat frank at the helm, he must av knew he was a bit of a spare part.Now try telling me that wouldnt knock your confidence!I mean could you imagine Anelka dealing with such a situation. he allowed himself to be brought in as a cover player for the existing midfield so he in effect only has himself and his millions to blame i would say!Who knows wid his millions in the bank he may get punted on from the credit crunched bubble blowers and have a couple of years to show what he should have been doing at Chelsea, however in reality the only team he would be signing for and getting regular football would be nearer the bottom half wid him closing in on 30 if arsenal did go for him would be a bit of a step back considering the youngsters wenger is trying to push through.Cant wait to see what this transfer window in Jan brings!!!!!
Post a Comment