How former Tottenham man Scott Parker has revitalised Calum Chambers

By Max Cohen

Despite Fulham’s 2-0 home loss to West Ham United on Saturday, the continued resurgence of Calum Chambers provided a glimpse of hope for the Whites.

Converted from a defender to a central defensive midfielder while at Fulham, former Tottenham man Scott Parker has played a large role in Chambers’ midfield renaissance.

Against the Hammers, Chambers was partially at fault for Robert Snodgrass’ opening goal as he failed to properly track back.

But apart from that error, the Englishman was authoritative in the middle of the park, winning the ball back with impressive aggression and starting numerous attacks.

While speaking to football.london earlier in the month, the Arsenal loanee revealed that Parker’s advice and experience have been vital in his transition to a midfield role in SW6.

“He gives me advice, we work on things in training and after training. After training we do footwork, little one-two drills and positional play,” Chambers told football.london. “Before games I ask him positionally what he and the coaching staff want from me.”

(Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images)

Chambers dubbed Parker a “world-class” central midfielder back in his day, and it is clear the young coach is having a major influence on Chambers’ recent uptick in form.

Although Chambers had played sparingly in the centre of midfield earlier in his career, his best form in the position has undoubtedly come at Fulham.

Parker retired as a Fulham player in 2017, and then joined Spurs to work as their U-18 coach for the 2017/18 season. Yet he returned to Craven Cottage as an assistant coach this season to work under Slavisa Jokanovic.

Tellingly, Scott Parker was the only member of the Serbian’s backroom staff to remain under Claudio Ranieri, and his role in the mentorship of Calum Chambers reveals that decision is paying off.