Burnley FC: Scott Parker should consider once unthinkable Luca Koleosho call v QPR | OneFootball

Scott Parker must make a decision in the coming weeks 😅

Burnley remain in the automatic places in the Championship despite some underwhelming results in recent weeks under Scott Parker - but if they are to remain there, the Clarets may have to consider dropping one of their star players, with Luca Koleosho not showing great form for the east Lancashire side.

Parker's men have only lost one game all season, conceding the least in the division with just five goals conceded in 11 games - and having managed to salvage a late draw away at Hull City on Wednesday evening, it has kept them in the top two on goal difference.

That isn't to say that their form has been scintillating as such, with solo points against Oxford United, Preston North End and the Tigers perhaps being games that they should be winning if they are to secure promotion to the top-flight at the first time of asking.

Whilst they boast a healthy amount of possession, the Clarets aren't doing too much with the ball and with just four goals in their previous five games, something has to give. And that could come with Koleosho being dropped, given that the youngster doesn't seem to be having as much as an impact as first thought in the second-tier.

Why Scott Parker could make a previously 'unthinkable' change

USA-born youngster Koleosho, who plays for Italy's under-21 side, unexpectedly burst onto the scene for the Clarets last season in the Premier League, where his quick turn of pace, close dribbling and unpredictable nature saw him become arguably their best winger before a long-term knee injury occured before the festive period.

Burnley weren't able to prevent relegation, but their demotion to the second-tier notably gave Koleosho the chance to kick on at Turf Moor - and he started the season in flying fashion, scoring two goals in his first five games of the season against Cardiff City and Leeds United to mark his name in the division and make him undroppable.

However, that has dried up in recent weeks. Playing the full ninety minutes against Oxford and Preston, Koleosho also lasted for over an hour against Plymouth Argyle, Sheffield Wednesday and Hull - though he hasn't had any goals or assists in his previous six games in a Burnley shirt.

Compare that to Jaidon Anthony, who has a goal and an assist over the past week, and the difference appears to be night and day. Koleosho's playing style makes him a nightmare for defenders, but his end product can sometimes be lacking and with Burnley enjoying the lion's share of possession under Parker, they need someone who can make that count.

Jeremy Sarmiento, a summer loan signing from Brighton, has only started one game under Parker, being limited to a spate of substitute appearances. But having been part of Ipswich Town's outstanding side last season, he knows what is required to earn promotion and by waiting in the wings, he could be afforded a chance soon.

With a home game coming up against Queens Park Rangers over the weekend, it offers Burnley a huge chance to take the spoils at Turf Moor with QPR sitting joint-bottom of the league - and so Sarmiento should be considered to simply show that Burnley can offer something different to Koleosho, who hasn't had much luck in the final third for the past six weeks now.

Burnley also have Mike Tresor, Aaron Ramsey and Nathan Redmond returning to action from injury in the future, and their ranks will be boosted with the comeback of the trio - in which Sarmiento will need to stake his claim if he is to be remembered at Turf Moor.