During Swansea City’s Easter Monday game at home to Middlesbrough, Sam Parker made his first start in over two years.
While Zan Vipotnik grabbed most headlines for reaching 20 Championship goals, the 19-year-old equally deserves the spotlight.
Swansea’s right back position has been a topic of discussion all season and Parker may have claimed it for now.
Josh Key started out the season as Swansea’s right back but due to dips in form, Ethan Galbraith then filled in.
Currently, with Key sustaining a knock and Galbraith out for the season, Sam Parker and Joel Ward are the remaining two who will battle for the position.
It looked certain that Swansea would be exploring the market for a right back in the summer to provide Key with competition while allowing Galbraith to play in his preferred position.
With relegation and promotion unlikely, the injuries may have become a blessing in disguise as Parker may emerge as a potential candidate for Swansea’s long term right back.
Sam Parker’s first game since August saw the academy product have a commanding performance both offensively and defensively.
Despite being partly at fault for Middlesbrough’s opener, Parker bounced back and was vital offensively for Swansea.
He wasn’t dispossessed at all in his 72 minutes on the pitch and although he didn’t complete a successful cross, it was his dangerous deliveries off the right flank which led to Swansea’s first penalty.
Defensively, he proved his capabilities by winning the majority of his ground duels and all of his aerial duels. He also completed five clearances, three tackles and two recoveries whilst only being dribbled past twice.
He dominated Swansea’s right hand side and provided a real threat from wide areas and with his crossing, something the team have lacked all season.
Sam Parker made his debut for Swansea at just 17 years old in December 2023 away at Coventry. The youngster impressed many and appeared twice more before a devastating hamstring injury sidelined him.
He was tied down to a long term professional contract in August 2024 after negotiations had initially stalled. Last season, he made seven championship appearances.
He played back to back 90 minutes in the opening rounds of the Carabao Cup this season. Since then he has frequently featured on the bench but hadn’t played until the game against Middlesbrough.
With only five games left for Swansea this Championship Season, this is Sam Parker’s opportunity to shine.
It’s his chance to give Matos a headache when it comes to the long term future of Swansea’s right back spot.
For now, Parker will be focused on getting a good run of form in the remaining games. Parker has got the chance to learn from experienced Premier League captain Joel Ward and develop. Additionally, Ward can rotate with Parker when needed to ensure the youngster stays injury free.
