Scott Parker

Scott Parker was an unspectacular midfielder – he wasn’t known for jaw-dropping cross-field passes or powerful runs through the centre – but he was brilliant at keeping things ticking.

He was always available to receive a pass – from there, Parker would lay the ball off to his more creative teammates and continue to create space for them. He was the living embodiment of an ‘unsung hero’.

This was most evident when he left West Ham – the Hammers’ midfield virtually collapsed upon the former Newcastle man’s departure in 2011.