TOP BILLING CAN GO EVEN HIGHER
Parker wants more from Philip
SCOTT PARKER wants Bournemouth match-winner Philip Billing to take a leaf out of his playbook to become the complete midfielder.
Billing scored his sixth goal of the season as the Cherries came from behind to beat Sheffield United and maintain their record as the EFL’s only unbeaten team, climbing to the top of the table.
Bournemouth manager Parker, a former England midfielder, said: “He’s better technically than me and he’s got a better shot than me, but I had something as a player Phil could do with.
“I want to try and give him that bit of me to take him to another level.
“The biggest thing that made me happy was when he ran back and made a slide tackle.
“I know he can score a goal and has quality at those moments, but what is an all-round midfielder? Someone who can do every facet.
“He is showing me that at certain moments and is becoming involved in the game at every moment. He is coming to the fore in big moments. He needs to make that a habit.
“There is much more to come from him and moments in the game where I need more from him.
“He has done nothing but impress me with his demeanour and attitude to learn.
“I am very demanding, but he has always risen and has been resilient in those moments.”
Billing was chased by Watford and Norwich in the summer, and Parker added: “There was talk around Phil earlier in the season.
“He made a decision to stay here, improve and get better.We are lucky to have him.
“I see someone engaged who wants to get better and improve. I want him to add to his game.
Bournemouth looked to be heading for their first Championship defeat of the season when Morgan Gibbs-White slid in to fire the Blades in front 11 minutes into the second half.
Dominic Solanke equalised just six minutes later through a contentious penalty after he looked to have been brought down outside the box.
Billing completed the comeback by firing home from Ryan Christie’s pullback.
United boss Slavisa Jokanovic is not surprised to see his ex-Fulham captain, Parker, prospering on the south coast.
Jokanovic said: “He is doing really well and I cannot be surprised.
“He was a fantastic footballer and he has made a really good start to his coaching.
“His team play really good football. I believe he has a bright future ahead of him.We will have lots of battles ahead.
“He was a really loyal player in my time coaching him and a really loyal and good assistant when working with my staff. I predict him to be more successful.”