Scott Parker blown away by ‘massive improvement’ of £5m Burnley star, he’s been ‘vital’ 

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Burnley bounced back into the Premier League at the first time of asking, and Scott Parker has now admitted how proud he is of one player in particular.

After winning promotion to the top-flight with a 2-1 win over Sheffield United last week, Burnley thumped QPR 5-0 to keep them in hot pursuit of the Championship title.

The battle to top the table is set to go down to the wire after Leeds thrashed Bristol City at Elland Road, with both sides winning promotion due to their enormous strengths.

Burnley have built a ‘ridiculous’ defensive record, only conceding 15 goals in 45 matches, an achievement made possible by the incredible trio of James Trafford, CJ-Egan Riley, and Maxime Esteve.

But while relentless consistency at the back has been the key ingredient, Scott Parker has been impressed by the improvement of one former Manchester United player.

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Scott Parker praises Hannibal Mejbri’s improved temperament

The Clarets made several signings in the summer, and one of those was a £5.4 million addition of Hannibal Mejbri from Manchester United.

A talented attacking midfielder who likes to get forward and score goals, Mejbri has become a fan favourite at Turf Moor.

However, it hasn’t always been plain sailing for the 22-year-old as he’s suffered from disciplinary issues. On New Years Day, for example, the Tunisian was shown a straight red card for a stamp against Stoke City.

Since then, Mejbri has shown a maturity with his performances, only picking up three yellow cards in 20 matches for club and country.

Parker has noticed a ‘massive improvement’ in his all-round game, but mainly how he’s managed himself emotionally and psychologically, as he explained via the Burnley Express.

“This has been a personal journey with Hann,” Parker said. “He’s an emotional boy, someone who every time he steps over the line, you can see it and he brings that to every single game.

“I think what’s impressed me the most with him, I’ve just seen someone mature. Not only emotionally and psychologically, but I’ve seen someone mature in terms of the way he’s playing as well. He’s starting to understand things and he’s engaged in what I’ve asked of him and I think that’s definitely helped him.

“This is a young boy still. But I’ve seen a massive, massive improvement. Over the last two, three months, he’s been key. He’s been vital for us. Full credit to him because I know the commitment and what he’s had to go through.”

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Mejbri’s Burnley stats

Parker praised Mejbri as ‘outstanding’ for his goal-scoring performance in the 2-1 win over Norwich City earlier this month.

That was one of his most impressive displays of the campaign, as he completely dominated the Canaries and even showed composure in the final third.

Statistically, the former Birmingham City loanee will need to improve to flourish in the Premier League but increased output will come with age.

Crucially, Mejbri is working under the perfect man to bring the best out of him, as Parker recognised one of his flaws and instantly stamped it out.