Just How Good is Scott Parker?

Now, if you ask 10 people who in their view is the best signing of the Premier League 2011/12 season, 3 out of the 10 people would probably say Scott Parker.

I’ve always been a bit confused by this. Firstly, I don’t think Scott Parker has been that amazing for Tottenham. Yes, he’s been very tidy and solid for Spurs. But has he really been the best signing of last season? I’m unsure, especially considering the impact Sergio Aguero had on Man City.

But let me be clear. I don’t hate Scott Parker. I do think he is a very good DM, perhaps one of the best in the Premier League. He can pass, tackle and retain the ball sensationally. While his personality makes him extremely likeable too. Parker is tenacious, determined and selfless in his pursuit to win. I just feel he is a bit overrated, that’s all.

But how does Tottenham’s Scott Parker match up with other leading defensive mids in the Premier League?

Stats via EPL Index

Defensive Stats:

Key: Green = Best, Orange= second best & Red =Worst

Without a shadow of a doubt, having fantastic defensive stats is imperative for a top class defensive mid. It kind of goes without saying. But Parker’s defensive stats, are decent. But they are by no means amazing, but they aren’t poor either.

In terms of tackles won, Parker sits right in the middle out of the players analysed. One of Parker’s strengths is his tackling and it does reflect in the stats. But he is by no means the best tackler in the Premier League. Lucas Levia had the best tackle win percentage, he won an impressive 76.47% of his tackles.  It’s interesting the player with the worse tackling win percentage is Tiote. I feel for such a solid, mobile and imposing midfielder, Tiote should be winning far more tackles. Looking at Tiote’s stats generally, they aren’t impressive. Perhaps this is why clubs such as United and Chelsea have cooled off interest in the £20million rated man.

One of the parts of Parker’s game which I feel is often underrated is his reading of the game. If you watch him closely, you can tell he read the game very astutely.  Parker may look like a bull in a china shop, but I feel he often gets away with this thanks to his good understanding of the game. He can roam out of position, pick up the ball and move it on for his team within a matter of seconds. Parker made the most interceptions out of the players analysed, by quite a bit too. What I find intriguing is that the top three interceptors are the English lads, Parker, Carrick and Barry. This little stat tell us, that in certain positions, English players really do understand their role and do have a football understanding. Sometimes English players are portrayed as clueless footballers whose best abilities are their courage.

One defensive area where Parker lags behind is aerial duals. The other defensive mids are far comfortable in winning balls in the air.  But there are other aspects to Parker’s defensive games which isn’t that great either. Parker has made the most defensive errors out of the players analysed, this correlates with the number of times he has been disposed too. The number of times Parker has been dispossessed has surprised me. I always felt one of the strengths of Parker’s game was his ability to retain the ball, but obviously, he is either spending too long on the ball or opposition are closing him down quickly as they know he’s not the fastest nor the most agile of players. But what’s incredibly impressive is how Gareth Barry, in 34 games was only been dispossessed 17 times. Faurlin only played 20 times, yet he lost the ball nearly double the amount of the Man City man. Barry may not be everyone’s favourite footballer (to hell, no one really likes him), but he certainly is very tidy and does the job in a disciplined manner.

Attacking and Passing

Now, the attacking abilities of a defensive mid are not that vital as say as a winger, striker or an attacking midfielder. But, it does give an indication on how well rounded the player is and how influential he is.

In terms of passing, Scott Parker has seen a lot of the ball. It does show how influential he has been for Spurs. But, what I find more interesting is the accuracy of Parker’s passing, the England international’s pass accuracy was 90%. It was the best alongside United’s Michael Carrick. Without a doubt one of the strengths of Parker’s game is his ability to pass accurately. This is of course, is very vital if you’re a defensive midfielder, as one of your roles is to link the defence to the midfield.

Parker v Rest

Parker v Sandro

Key- Green = Best, Red = Worse

Now, this is an intriguing comparison, due to both playing for Spurs and both being defensive midfielders. By the end of the season, Redknapp often played both players, but Sandro was utilised in a more defensive role than Parker. But looking at the defensive stats, Sandro dominates Parker. The Brazilian has a better Aerial win percentage, a better ground dual percentage and a better tackle percentage too. But both players seem to have a weakness in retaining the ball. This maybe a concern to Spurs, as losing the ball in the central areas of the pitch, is catastrophic especially with Spurs being a dynamic attacking side. For me, Sandro looks the more comfortable in defensive mid, he has the ability to not only keep it simple, but he does the basics well enough.

Parker v English Lads

This is a hard one. Parker, Barry and Carrick are players of very different styles. In some respects, one of the three (Carrick ) is arguably England’s best passer, while another (Barry) is probably England’s best keep it simple player and the other one, Parker is probably the most comfortable in attacking and defending.

From a creative and passing perspective, Carrick edges Barry and Parker. Carrick made the most passes and had the best pass accuracy. From a defensive perspective, it’s very close again too. But looking at the stats, I feel Carrick is the most comfortable defensively. Out of the three, he had the best win percentage for aerial duals, ground duals and came second best for interceptions. Carrick may not be the most dominating of midfielders, but for me he’s more rounded than Barry and Parker. Some may argue, Carrick isn’t a defensive mid, I firmly believe he is. Of course, he isn’t a typical defensive midfielder. He is one, like Parker, who joins attacks when the momentum is with his side. It does surprise me how Carrick is under used by England.  If England are really determined to keep the ball, Carrick must be utilised. He is someone who keeps things ticking in midfield, and off the ball he can win his fair share of duals too. But with the same token I can see why England managers have chosen Barry and Parker. Both lads add reliability, grit and drive to England. Look at Barry, he rarely loses the ball. While Parker, reads the game sensationally well, something that is crucial for international football.

Conclusion

Image via WhoScored

So, just how good is Scott Parker?

Well, he certainly is a good footballer. He is a player most teams wouldn’t mind having knocking about. But is he the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League?

The answer to that is no.

In my eyes and in the eyes of the stats, he isn’t even the best English defensive midfielder either. One could easily argue, Barry or Carrick are better defensive midfielders. If had to choose between the three, I would pick Carrick.

The reason why Parker is rated, respected and admired so highly is because of his style of play. He is tireless, determined and visibly hungry to win, not only that he has got some good technical abilities.

I think Scott Parker is a top defensive midfielder, but he is by no means the best in the Premier League.

But that leads me to the question, who is the best defensive mid in the Premier League? For me, (and again like most things, it comes down to personal taste) I think Lucas Levia is the best defensive mid in the Premier League. As the stats show, he is the most well rounded and I feel his linking up play is fantastic too.

While for Scott Parker, he is proof that, you are never too old to fulfil your potential. I feel some of the hype towards Parker is over the top. I think he is a good footballer, but by no means the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League. The UK press and fans probably love him, as he typifies the idyllic English player. He is courageous, selfless and passionate. But the reality is, he just another good defensive midfielder in the Premier League.

How Twitter has changed the spectation of football for the fans

The press has given Twitter a poor representation. It’s been portrayed as a place where gossip originates, rants unleash and annoying famous people try to act normal and fail..miserably. To be honest, this is all true. But there are some brilliant positives for being part of the Twitter movement, especially regarding football.

The beauty of Twitter is that it gives the fan’s instant updates of what’s going down in the footballing world. Of course most of the credit has to go the journalists and the sport pages from the Newspapers and the likes of Sky Sports who all use Twitter. These sporting institutions play a crucial role in the footballing aspect of Twitter. As the ease of posting tweets have allowed journalists to post breaking information, quickly and concisely to the fans from virtually any mobile phone, laptop or computer. This enables the fan to have a better knowledge of what’s happening at their club and around the footballing globe.

A perfect example of this is the transfer news and gossip. I joined Twitter in the middle of January 2011. Maybe this was the one of the most ideal periods for any football lover to have Twitter. This is simply because Twitter enabled me to have knowledge on most of the transfer issues around the globe. Of course, one may turn around and say, ‘just look at the BBC gossip page, or the Sky Sports website.’ But the difference with Twitter is that you can get the news instantaneously from one application. And even if a news story is yet to be confirmed, you can bet the football fans on Twitter will already know about the story. A perfect example is Blackpool’s Charlie Adam handing in his transfer request. The story was well known on Twitter before it hit the Sky Sports News breaking news ticker bar.

Furthermore, with Twitter you can see reports being confirmed by different football institutions. This makes the news far more credible. As its been verified by different footballing sources. A perfect example is when Fernando Torres was rumoured to be leaving Liverpool.

The evening started off with various tweets confirming Liverpool had reached an agreement to sign Luis Suarez from Ajax. This was met by the Twitter community (especially the Liverpool fans) with great happiness and pride. But this news was quickly overshadowed by another burning issue. Tweets began to continually flow in stating Fernando Torres had handed in a transfer request at Liverpool. However, there was something I recognised. What surprised me about that day, was even though various tweets from respected football journalists such as Guillem Balague. They all tweeted that Torres had handed in a transfer request. But the larger football institutions such as BBC and Sky Sports didn’t publish the story until a few hours later. This made me consider that if I didn’t have Twitter, I probably would have been celebrating the Luis Suarez signing a lot more and would have been oblivious to Torres handing in a transfer request. But because of the continuous tweets regarding Torres’ future, this made me sit up and take the story with all seriousness.

Another fantastic aspect of Twitter for football fans is that footballers use Twitter too. This makes footballers more accessible to the fans. Of course, there is a light and day difference in terms of economic welfare between the fans and the players. But before Twitter there wasn’t a feasible way for players to be accessible to the fans. Twitter allows the fans to learn more about their hero’s and have a little incite into their lives. It also works the other way too. Footballers can see how much they are appreciated by the fans. In some respects, the fans now have the application to motivate the players and inspire them. As they can send tweets in support and appreciation to the players.

Some players on Twitter try and create a connection with the fans too. The likes of Rio Ferdinand, Lucas Levia , Johan Djourou and many more, create competitions for their followers to win signed shirts and even meet the star themselves. The concept of being even more connected to the fans is visibly clear with some footballers. Rio Ferdinand consistently holds question and answer sessions on Twitter. This works by the fans tweeting him questions and he tweets the answers to their questions. Of course the relationship between the fans and professional footballers is still hugely distant. It’s not like these footballers are going round your house for tea. But for the first time in a long time, the players are becoming a little more reachable for the fans. Its about time, to be honest.

Some footballer’s tweets have caused controversy. Ryan Babel was fined for posting a picture of referee Howard Webb in a Manchester United shirt after the United- Liverpool game. Arguably cases like this cause bad press about footballer’s use of Twitter. As some may see Twitter as a place where footballers act like idiots and just complain about life. This isn’t really the case. Every now and then you see a footballer showing the little common sense they have. But most footballers represent themselves very well on Twitter. Some footballers also ReTweet comments by the fans and ReTweet support to charities. These positive actions clearly highlight the gracious and supportive attitude of the players.

Some players have even confirmed or denied speculation of their future on Twitter. Steven Pienaar confirmed to the world via Twitter that he was joining Tottenham. Whereas, Charlton Cole denied speculation linking him to a deadline day transfer through Twitter. This shows that Twitter can be used by players to get their message directly across to the fans. In some respects, Twitter works as a mini statement space for footballers. As they can confirm or deny issues without the need of a journalist or a media outlet to publish the story. Twitter allows the fans the space to voice their views on the latest football issues and results. The social networking site works as a big debating platform. As Tweeters may ReTweet in agreement or tweet in disagreement. Of course, every now and then there are some first class twats on there, who talk no sense. But generally people have great thoughts and are kind and open to discussion.

Twitter has changed the spectation of football. The fans can now connect to their heroes more than ever before. But the biggest aspect of Twitter and football is that lovers of the game can learn news of their club within minutes of it happening. Giving the fans more information than ever before.

Football Tweets of the Week

This feature is about the brilliant football related Tweets of the past week. Some are funny, and some are simply good points. I was looking to add this feature on Thursday, but didn't get the chance. So here it goes..

1. 'I think Sam Allardyce is the right man to lead Egypt from this historical moment. Look at what he did with Bolton.He deserves a chance.' - James Corden - Corden reveals his ideal candidate for the Egyptian presidency after the overthrowing of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak
   
2. 'Gattuso seems to have misunderstood Dwight Yorke’s anecdote about how great it was giving head to Jordan.' - MirrorFootball - Mirror Football reveal the motives behind Gattuso's actions.
   
3. 'For all the Chelsea fans who don't remember when they were shit ! Good news the old days are just around the corner !!' - Paul Turner - Gives an honest verdict about Chelsea's future after their defeat to Everton in the F.A Cup
   
4. 'West Ham ahead but poorer side. Will be interesting to see how Scott Parker changes things around at half-time.' Dan Silver - Cheeky little comment by Dan Silver, during half time between West Ham and Burnley. In West Ham's previous game against West Brom, Scott Parker gave an influential speech at half time, which inspired their 3-3 come back.
   
5. 'What do Arsenal, Spurs and Paul McCartney have in common.. They all get excited over one leg!' Gareth McKenna - Lovely little joke after the midweek victories for both London club's Arsenal and Tottenham!
   
6. 'We used to have a player called Zhirkov. Not that I would like him to come on but it would be nice to know if he was still alive.' Yasser - Tweeted during the Fulham and Chelsea match. But a good point really. What does he even do these days? Is he alive and well!?
7. 'Hold up...my mum just said one time when I was around 5yrs old she had to beat me up...what kinda parenting is that?! I might dead arm her!' - rioferdy5- Rio Ferdinand - The Man United and England captain discovers he was briefly victim the victim of child abuse. He reacts to the revelation, by getting revenge on his mum.
   
8. '@LucasLeiva87 You were always my favourite Lucas, you'd be captain next season under me.'- royhodgson_lma The Hodge (Parody of Roy Hodgson) - I'm sure the Liverpool fans would have viewed Roy Hodgson as an absolute legend if he ever did that..
9. Arshavin scores the winner, pull his shirt over his head. What's on his t-shirt? A pic of himself, celebrating a goal #genius' Dara O' Briain - Comedian Dara O' Briain on Andrey Arsharvin's antics after scoring the winner against Barcelona.
   
10. The Hodge is bored. This #LFC team isn't a patch on the team I had, we'd be battering this crap [Sparta Prague], especially away from home.' - royhodgson_lma The Hodge (Parody of Roy Hodgson) - The parody Hodgson on the dour Sparta v Liverpool game. The Real Hodgson must of watched this game and thought the exact same thing to be fair!