What Burnley coach makes of Lyle Foster playing as a winger
Burnley FC coach Scott Parker has shared his thoughts on Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster playing as a winger in the EFL Championship.
While Foster’s natural position is striker, with his primary role being goal-scoring, he has been deployed as a winger by manager Scott Parker since his appointment ahead of the 2024/25 English Championship season – the second-tier league in England.
Parker’s preference is to utilise Zian Flemming, the Dutch centre-forward on loan from Millwall FC, as his main striker. Flemming has proven effective in this role, scoring nine goals in 25 appearances across all competitions.
Consequently, Foster, the former Orlando Pirates star, has seen a decrease in his goal-scoring output compared to when he leads the frontline. The 24-year-old has recorded only two goals and three assists in 21 appearances across all competitions.
SCOTT PARKER SAYS LYLE FOSTER HAS BEEN SUPERB ON THE WING
Despite a shift in position, Parker believes Foster has been doing well playing on the wing. The Burnley coach has praised Foster’s energy, positioning, and the attacking threat he poses to opposing defences.
“…I will be honest with you, probably initially when I put him there [on the wing], I see something that he can play there, and I really like Lyle there,” said Parker.
“I think he’s been a threat for us maybe his not natural position. No one has spoken in great detail with Lyle regarding that. But he’s been superb out on the sides. He brings something to the team, he brings in energy, and he gets himself in good positions as well.
“He’s been involved in and around some goals for us, and some big chances fell on him from that position as well. It’s not something that I see as a secondary position for him; I think it’s a position, credit to Lyle, he can play on the sides, and he can also play as a nine.”
RELATED STORY: Ex-Pirates striker coach backs Riveiro to continue with the art of winningÂ