Scott Parker has been the pick of many observers for signing of the season so far in terms of value for money and performances on the pitch. His remarkable mid-late career renaissance has seen him elevated from outsider-looking-in for Fabio Capello's England 18 months ago to one of the first names on the teamsheet as they plan for the Euros next Summer in Poland and Ukraine.
Harry Redknapp, Parker's new club manager at Tottenham, has wondered out loud - as is his wont - how his club managed to sign Parker without facing any serious counter bids from rival sides. The value of Parker as a player can be seen in Spurs' away league results since he signed before Spurs faced Wolves away at the end of August. The report card reads: played five, won four, drawn one. It is true that these five fixtures were against none of the traditional powerhouses of the league, but nonetheless they include wins on the road at Blackburn, Wolves, Wigan and Fulham. Spurs have long been seen as a soft touch at away grounds in the midlands and the north-west, precisely because they have missed a player like Parker. That is to say, someone not afraid of rolling up his sleeves, chasing opposition players and making tackles. Ledley King has remarked that the amount of running he has had to do since Parker signed has been slashed dramatically because of the remarkable shield Parker provides in front of his back four. Yet, it is not only centre-halves who can be grateful to Parker. Luka Modric, nominally Parker's partner in central midfield, has been allowed to roam forward and carry the ball, playing to his own strengths because he has already learnt that Parker can be relied upon totally. Parker himself, though not a major offensive contributor yet for Spurs, is by no means all at sea when in possession of the ball and is well capable of carrying possession and picking smart, short range passes.
As Spurs prepare for a visit to The Hawthorns tomorrow, where they will face West Bromwich Albion, they can be grateful that in putting out a midfield containing the indefatigable Scott Parker, they can look forward to an afternoon's football on the road with much greater optimism than has been typical in recent seasons.
Nick Rogerson
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