Scott Parker has praised Jaidon Anthony for bouncing back and improving after being “rejected” by Arsenal as a younger player.
BURNLEY, ENGLAND: Jaidon Anthony of Burnley shoots, under pressure from Vakoun Issouf Bayo of Watford during the Sky Bet Championship match between Burnley FC and Watford FC at Turf Moor on December 21, 2024. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Burnley winger Jaidon Anthony is currently on loan from AFC Bournemouth, the club he’s been contracted to since 2016. Before that, the 25-year-old had spent 10 years in the Arsenal academy, but he didn’t get the chance to sign professional terms with the Gunners.
Instead, Anthony went out on a trial with Bournemouth, who ultimately decided to pick him up.
The player spent time under Scott Parker in 2021/22, and the two have reunited this season with Burnley. After Anthony’s latest goal for Burnley against Watford on Saturday, Parker had plenty of praise for the player.
BURNLEY, ENGLAND: Burnley's Jaidon Anthony during the Sky Bet Championship match between Burnley FC and Swansea City AFC at Turf Moor on November 10, 2024. (Photo by Gary Oakley/Getty Images)
Photo by Gary Oakley/Getty Images
“When I went to Bournemouth, Jaidon had been rejected by Arsenal, was in the under-21s and the minute I saw him, the thing that stood out was his character and what he gives,” Parker said.
“As a coach, he is a seven out of 10 every week, and at times, he’s nines and 10s.
“You have a baseline with him and you have seen that over the course of this season, really.
“Look, if there is one name of all the players I have coached over my career, Jaidon Anthony is right up there.”
HULL, ENGLAND: Jaidon Anthony of Burnley acknowledges the fans following the Sky Bet Championship match between Hull City AFC and Burnley FC at MKM Stadium on October 23, 2024. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Anthony is clearly popular with his managers, playing as a regular starter in each of the last four seasons. Though he’ll want more days like Saturday, as he’s yet to prove himself as a prolific goalscorer.
The ex-Arsenal academy forward’s best season tally was the eight goals he scored in Bournemouth’s Championship campaign under Parker in 2021/22.
He went on to score just three times in the 2022/23 season, and twice on loan with Leeds United in 2023/24. He’s up to three goals and a couple of assists so far in 2024/25, and he’ll hope to build on that now.
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