Unfortunately, being overseas I rarely get to see a live match, and only the 5 or 6 live games Sky is willing to afford Fulham - so it is on this premise that I will make my opinion and request your assistance in either supporting or disagreeing with me.
Scott Parker - from the match highlights, what I have read, and based on the commentary of GJ and Jaime it sounds like he is playing with renewed vigor and tenacity. Don't get me wrong, he has always given 100% and has been a wonderful captain for our club during his spell, but his defensive stalwartness and work ethic, even at age 35, are second to none. Can we really afford to drop Scotty at this point? With all of our new midfielders coming in, many young and exciting, should we starting using Scott every other week or as an impact sub, or should he retain his starting position and then be subbed off in games for these more attack minded youthful players?
I think Johansen will take his place and give us an extra dimension linking with forward players more and Parker will be rotated in here and there, and be used as a sub - especially in situations of holding a lead.
For all his assets he fails to see when the ball needs to be moved quickly and positively also struggles to get across to close players down in dangerous positions while defending.
Some people see the occasional thumping challenge and his constant wanting the ball (which stifles our play sometimes) and fail to see how he slows everything down too often.
Trouble is there's been nobody else good enough, until now hopefully.
At 35 Parker will I feel be edged more to the whole being a defensive impact off of the bench - you know the old defending a lead with 10 to go.
Tunnicliffe seems to perform a similar role, LVC can sit too and with news of Johansen I fail to see Scott starting many more games. Shame really but age will get everyone eventually - hopefully he gets a backroom role as his experience would be brilliant.
Parker was very good yesterday
Always has space, picks am easy pass and composed the team when Blackburn had picked up some tenacity . Him and McDonald in the middle don't give us much creativity but they protect and distribute the simple balls perfectly.
I can't believe there are people knocking Parkers performances this season. He and McDonald together have been so very important in giving the rest of the team a platform to build our attacking play on, knowing that we have good defensive cover if the move breaks down.
Too slow.
No creativity.
Dithers on the ball.
Defensive liability, especially against anyone with size or speed.
He's where forward action goes to die.
He won't survive the grind, the wear and tear, of the season at his age.
He's a quality character, a true professional, and those traits have to rub off on teammates.
He will never embarrass the club.
But we need more from that position to advance.
We're an improved team, no doubt, this season. Luckier, too. But if I were a center back, I'd worry about having him in front of me, trying to meet the dribbler and stand him up/shut him down.
I also don't get to see Parker play much. Still love him though and think he brings great experience for the youngsters. Glad he is still with us.
He was great yesterday, and has been this season, and a very important player for us, with his energy, commitment and experience.
Speaking with colleagues who support Newcastle and Cardiff and who watched from the Putney stand, both thought he was our best player. Gave me pause for thought.
He's doing the pirouette / crop-circling thing less. That move has brought him a lot of flack here and at previous clubs. Can't help thinking that the arrival of good players who can be located in predictable and appropriate spots has helped him. On the defensive side of things, conceding less than a goal per 90 minutes works for me.
McDonald / Johansen/ Tunnicliffe / Parker / Adeniran competing for two spots. Not too shabby!
Id imagine Johansen will take his starting place. Great player to bring on in the last 20 mins though, both for when we`re winning or if things arnt going well.
Iv always thought he needs to be surrounded by decent, energetic players to make the most of his game so hopefully with the likes Ayite, Aluko, Kebano and Cairney buzzing about him.........
Parker is playing very well and with the cover we have in midfield it now means we don't have to overplay him.
Quote from: Forever Fulham on August 28, 2016, 12:32:36 PM
Too slow.
No creativity.
Dithers on the ball.
Defensive liability, especially against anyone with size or speed.
He's where forward action goes to die.
He won't survive the grind, the wear and tear, of the season at his age.
He's a quality character, a true professional, and those traits have to rub off on teammates.
He will never embarrass the club.
But we need more from that position to advance.
We're an improved team, no doubt, this season. Luckier, too. But if I were a center back, I'd worry about having him in front of me, trying to meet the dribbler and stand him up/shut him down.
I couldn't disagree more with the first 4 points of this. He's very effective with McDonald, covers lots of ground plays a good pass, does huge amounts of unseen work, organises others well too.
That's why Slav plays him and persuaded him to sign a new contract, also why he bought McDonald to play there too.
It's very simple, Mac. Over the previous two seasons, our lackluster play was down to Parker. This season, our effective team play and the results that have ... uh ... resulted have absolutely nothing to do with Parker.
Same script, different player.
Quote from: Forever Fulham on August 28, 2016, 12:32:36 PM
Too slow.
No creativity.
Dithers on the ball.
Defensive liability, especially against anyone with size or speed.
He's where forward action goes to die.
He won't survive the grind, the wear and tear, of the season at his age.
He's a quality character, a true professional, and those traits have to rub off on teammates.
He will never embarrass the club.
But we need more from that position to advance.
We're an improved team, no doubt, this season. Luckier, too. But if I were a center back, I'd worry about having him in front of me, trying to meet the dribbler and stand him up/shut him down.
[/quote
Another uninformed comment from just listening to Jim and the highlights, give me strength!!! :dead horse: :dead horse:
We are a better side when parker plays, that says it all for me.
The comments by Kebano on the Offal says it all. Parker is a top man. Always thinking of others. We are so lucky to have him. It will be a sad day when he hangs his boots up.
Quote from: grandad on August 29, 2016, 05:31:43 PM
The comments by Kebano on the Offal says it all. Parker is a top man. Always thinking of others. We are so lucky to have him. It will be a sad day when he hangs his boots up.
Yes.
There's more to being a Captain than sticking an armband on.
Neeskens Kebano: "Scott Parker is just one example. Before the game he spoke to me and told me I'm not alone, and that if I need something or have any questions then he's there."
he's a nice player at this level. always works hard and represents the shirt. i've been way down on him for a while b/c i don't think he takes us to the next level and am unclear about exactly what he did except hold the ball going backwards and make short passes. HOWEVER, this year, in forward action, he's made some nice touch through-balls with perfect weight. maybe he should play in a false 9 position and play a point-guard type role.
Quote from: JOND999 on August 29, 2016, 07:33:43 PM
he's a nice player at this level. always works hard and represents the shirt. i've been way down on him for a while b/c i don't think he takes us to the next level and am unclear about exactly what he did except hold the ball going backwards and make short passes. HOWEVER, this year, in forward action, he's made some nice touch through-balls with perfect weight. maybe he should play in a false 9 position and play a point-guard type role.
Sorry, you have got me there. I get false no 9 but what is a point-guard position? I have never heard of that one.
Quote from: Twig on August 29, 2016, 08:53:46 PM
Sorry, you have got me there. I get false no 9 but what is a point-guard position? I have never heard of that one.
Basketball position. Sort of playmaker and organiser.
You don't have to be enormously tall. Magic Johnson was big at 6'9", but Scotty might still have to find a foot or so.
point-guard = basketball playmaker. keeps possession, passes accurately and cleverly, sets up other players to score.
