Scott Parker enjoyed a fine season for an otherwise disappointing West Ham United in 2010-11. He scored important goals and led the team admirably in trying circumstances. However, despite his best efforts, West Ham were relegated. Should his transfer to Tottenham be completed, will he be able to make a valuable contribution? Is Scott Parker likely to improve Tottenham?

Strength in Depth

Spurs' strength is undoubtedly in midfield. They have considerable depth in that area and it seems unlikely that Parker will be an automatic choice. If Parker has been brought in to replace Palacios, it seems shrewd business.

Everyone Needs a Leader

Scott Parker brings in reputed qualities to the dressing room and the pitch that are hard to define. He brings in leadership quality and an aggressive attitude. His team talk against West Brom has been widely reported. In a Spurs dressing room that Harry Redknapp has described as lacking character, Parker could be the solution. His mentality, despite being relegated last season, is that of a winner.

Jack of All Trades

Parker combines the attributes of several different kinds of player. Parker completed 75% of his 122 tackle attempts. This is better even than Sandro and Palacios; arguably Spurs' main defensive midfielders. Of Tottenham's current crop, only Tom Huddlestone has a greater success rate. He also created 38 goal scoring chances (2 assists). That is less than Bale, Lennon, Modric and Van Der Vaart. Even Huddlestone managed 22 in only 13 starts. Parker clearly is capable of making things happen on the pitch. 38 chances created in a poor team is somewhat impressive. He will not be expected to be the creative hub, rather an extra option. Parker is capable but not vital to scoring goals. His passing range and quality add further depth to his quality. His 83% completion rate of passes last season is very good and his willingness to look forward (only 13% of his passes were played backwards) underlines his value.

A Willing Runner

Against Man City on Sunday, Spurs' lack of mobility in midfield was cruelly exposed. Parker has the ability to run with the ball. His 28 successful dribbles last season demonstrate that ability, are not at the top level (Bale had 68 and Lennon 55) but they add another string to Parker's bow.

Goals From Midfield

Spurs struggled for goals last season, their strikers contributed few goals and the midfield even fewer. Top sides get goals from midfield. Parker scored more goals than Huddlestone, Jenas, Lennon and Palacios combined. His scored his 5 league goals from only 10 shots on target. He had 36 shots in total, with seven blocked and 19 off target. Again, this seems to reinforce the argument that Parker is a player of quality, but not top quality.

A Value Purchase

If the reported fee of £5.5 million is accurate he will have been purchased for a reasonable price. Parker will likely make a substantial contribution and improve the overall quality of the squad. He can pass, shoot and run with the ball. He is an intelligent footballer, can tackle and brings vital leadership to a squad sorely lacking in that area. Despite his undoubted quality, it is unlikely that Parker makes the difference between 5^th and 4^th.