"I'm not really convinced" - Exclusive: Sky pundit predicts Zian Flemming change at Burnley FC if promoted | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has backed Zian Flemming to drop back to his natural number 10 role if Burnley get promoted.

Sky Sports pundit and former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has tipped Zian Flemming to return to his natural number 10 role, should Burnley gain promotion to the Premier League.

Flemming joined the Clarets on summer deadline day 2024, completing an initial loan switch from Millwall with a £7m obligation to buy at the end of the loan. The Dutchman had an excellent two years with the Lions, scoring 22 times in the Championship and earning himself a move to Turf Moor.

However, the attacking midfielder has found himself playing out of the position which he thrived in at Millwall. Flemming has been acting as an out-and-out striker for Burnley, which is a role he's capable of playing, but it's not his preferred position to show the best of his abilities.

Scott Parker's men are knocking on the door of the top two in the Championship, and if they do achieve promotion, the question will be raised if they believe Flemming can perform as a striker in the top flight, or if he'll be moved back to his natural 10 position, to play in behind a new out-and-out striker.

Lee Hendrie backs Zian Flemming to return to number 10 at Burnley

That question was put to former Aston Villa star and Sky Sports pundit Hendrie, who exclusively revealed his take on the situation to Football League World. The 47-year-old said: "Obviously, he's playing in that striker role, which I'm not really convinced [of]. He definitely isn't a striker.

"The goals that he scored, his creativity and awareness playing in a ten when he was at Millwall was something that identified him as one of those standout players in a team that was nowhere near one of the top clubs in the Championship.

"If they [Burnley] go into the Premier League, I think that [Flemming's position] will change. I think Burnley will have to invest in an out-and-out striker, and bring someone in who is more fluent in front of goal.

"I think he suits them in the Championship at the moment, and he is capable of playing as a false-nine, but I think his main position is dropping back and playing in a 10."

Scott Parker must decide on Zian Flemming position

There are still plenty of ifs, buts, and maybes when it comes to Burnley's fate this season. Despite their proximity to the automatic promotion places, nothing is guaranteed yet. However, you can't help but think that the striker situation will be in the back of Parker's mind already.

Flemming has proven during his time at Millwall that he thrives in the number 10 role, and isn't a natural striker. Whilst it's a position he can play fairly well, Burnley and Flemming himself would surely both benefit from him playing in the role which brought him success a

couple of years ago.

With questions being raised about the 26-year-old's ability to play as a striker in the Championship, it's fair to assume that he could struggle if asked to continue in that position if Burnley gain promotion.

Parker will undoubtedly be keen to bring in an out-and-out striker in the summer, regardless of what division his club are in. But after that, he must make the decision whether he wants Flemming to continue to focus on being a striker, or drop deeper and play in that more natural role.